WACO, Texas – A Texas man was taken into custody after an 8-year-old boy fell off a carnival ride that he was operating while allegedly under the influence. The incident occurred at the Extraco Events Center in Waco on Saturday evening. Police received a distress call at approximately 8 p.m., reporting the child’s fall. Upon arriving at the scene, officers found the injured boy and provided medical treatment before transporting him to the hospital, according to local news outlet KWTX.
The ride operator, identified as 38-year-old Cody Harkness, was subsequently arrested after law enforcement officials conducted tests and established that he was impaired. Harkness now faces a third-degree felony charge of intoxicated assault while operating a ride and is presently being held at the McLennan County Jail.
Authorities have not disclosed the specific circumstances that led to the child’s fall but have stated that it directly resulted from the alleged impairment of the ride operator. The current condition of the boy remains unknown.
This unfortunate incident serves as a reminder of the potential dangers posed by the operation of amusement park rides. While carnival rides are intended to provide entertainment and enjoyment, the responsibility of ensuring the safety of riders lies squarely on the shoulders of the operators.