A charge against a Northern Virginia teenager who climbed a Busch Gardens roller coaster could be dropped if he remains on good behavior.
Charles Parker, 18, of Woodbridge, was charged with trespassing in October after he climbed Tempesto and got stuck about 100 feet up on a catwalk, requiring a rescue from the James City County Fire Department. He later told authorities he was trying to retrieve his cellphone.
During a court hearing Nov. 21, Parker admitted to trespassing, but a judge agreed to put off disposition for a year. If Parker performs 24 hours of community service and stays out of trouble, the charge will be dismissed. Otherwise, Parker will face up to 12 months in prison and a $2,500 fine, according to Williamsburg-James City County Commonwealth’s Attorney Nate Green.
Parker was also banned from Busch Gardens for a year. He did, however, get his cellphone back.
James W. Robinson, 757-799-0621, james.robinson@virginiamedia.com
