INDIANAPOLIS — It wasn't the evil clowns or the zombies scaring some workers and patrons at the Haunting at the Hannah House Saturday night on the south side of Indianapolis.
IMPD officers responded to the haunted attraction at 3801 Madison Ave., near East Hanna Avenue, around 7:30 p.m. Oct. 19.
According to court documents, 51-year-old Daniel Norman, of Indianapolis, went around groping women's breasts, including a woman who was working. Another woman claims Norman tried touching her son's private parts.
"It's so sad that an individual can ruin a good time like that," said Ali Shepherd, a longtime volunteer at Hannah House.
Shepherd said they have head monsters on the trail making sure everyone's hands stay to themselves.
"If someone reaches out and touches someone, we do call security immediately. That's our protocol, and we see if it was just a reaction, like someone got scared and accidentally touched someone or if it's more serious in nature, then our security acts accordingly," Shepherd said.
Shepherd said it was actually one the Hannah House security guards who detained the man until police got there. She said the security staff is made up of trained professionals.
"These are former officers, former medical personnel that we use for our security team. We vet everyone out," Shepherd said.
If they have a feeling a group may be up to some ghoulish behavior, the people at the ticket booth gives security a heads up.
"We also have a code word. If we think someone might cause trouble, then we'll have security follow that group through just to make sure everyone is safe and sound throughout," Shepherd said.
If organizers think someone has had too much to drink, they won't let them in or will ask them to leave.
Prosecutors charged Norman with two counts of battery and one count of battery on a person less than 14 years old.
Haunting at the Hannah House will be open Friday, Oct. 25 and Saturday, Oct. 26, along with Nov. 1-2 from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
All proceeds will go back to renovating the house for future events.