MONTREAL - The security team at the La Ronde amusement park is facing criticism after seven security guards combined to forcibly subdue a man caught lighting up in a non-smoking area Wednesday at around 6:30 p.m.
Robert Kelley, 22, later admitted that he was smoking a cigarette on the Monorail, a place where smoking is not permitted.
But Kelley explained that he objected to the aggressive approach the security guards took, which inspired him to resist the agents.
The guards forced him into handcuffs in a vigorous struggle that lasted about three minutes as Kelley lay flailing, lying face-down on his stomach on the red brick walkway.
Kelley now faces criminal charges of uttering death threats and assault.
Kelley, contacted at his phone sales job in east end Montreal Saturday, declined a CTV Montreal interview request on the advice of his lawyer. But he confirmed that he had paid over $60 to enter and said that he was disappointed becuse had only recently arrived when he was told that he would be escorted out without refund.
Kelley also complained that he was also forced to spend the night in jail following the incident.
When asked by CTV Montreal to comment on the issue, La Ronde's Catherine Tremblay wrote, "The safety and well-being of our guests is our highest priority and we have zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior which in this instance was significantly more serious than smoking in the Park. The escalation of this situation was completely as a result of the abusive and threatening behavior of the guest. His eventual arrest was not for smoking in the Park but came as a result of his repeated refusals to leave the Park peacefully and the endangerment of other Park guests due to his decision to flee from Security within the Park. The situation has been turned over to local authorities and we have no further comment."
The code of conduct posted on La Ronde's website explains that guards can eject visitors without refund for "unruly, disruptive or offensive behaviour." On its frequently-asked-questions page, the park does not explicitly state that customers could be ejected for smoking.
See video below.
