Tourist arrested for allegedly pushing teen at Disney World to get better view of parade

[Disney4me]

A Colombian tourist’s trip to Walt Disney World turned into a trip to jail after she was arrested Monday for allegedly pushing a teenager while trying to get a better view of a parade.

Martha Lucia Zapata Echeverrí, 51, was taken into custody on a charge of child abuse after the incident earlier that day at Disney’s Magic Kingdom theme park, according to records. Her attorney, Bryan Farinas, said via email she was in the U.S. on a tourist visa and was visiting for her daughter’s 15th birthday.

Orange County Sheriff’s deputies separated Zapata Echeverrí and the victim and brought them to the park’s security office, where a deputy spoke to both about what happened, her arrest affidavit shows.

The 17-year-old victim told the deputy she had been standing on the sidewalk at the park’s Main Street to watch a parade when Zapata Echeverrí put her hand on her “trying to make space,” causing her to ask the woman not to touch her in Spanish. She said when she moved back to help another park guest get past her, Zapata Echeverrí grabbed her by the arm and pulled her to the side, the affidavit said.

The affidavit notes the victim had a small scrape and bruise on her arm and that she was the only one injured of the two. It also notes there were no independent witnesses or security footage of the incident.

Zapata Echeverrí said she was following her daughter to try and get to the front of the crowd to watch the parade when the victim pushed into her, saying it was “her spot.” Zapata Echeverrí then demonstrated to the deputy how she pushed the victim back, the report said.

When asked how the victim got nail marks, Zapata Echeverrí’s answer was unclear and she made a pushing gesture with an open hand, according to the affidavit.

Zapata Echeverrí has pleaded not guilty. Farinas says she has posted bond and is in the process of being released. He also said the situation has been mischaracterized.

“Based on the information that we have reviewed, Ms. Zapata Echeverrí was confronted and physically pushed by the alleged victim,” he said. “We are confident that once all the facts have been fully evaluated, it will be clear that there was no criminal intent and no abusive conduct by Ms. Zapata Echeverrí.”

Zapata Echeverrí has no prior criminal history and has been cooperative with law enforcement, Farinas said.

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