Teen Male Charged with Indecent Assault at Sands

A 17-year-old male was arrested on charges of indecent assault and unlawful restraint after he allegedly harassed and made inappropriate contact with a woman who was walking to her vehicle in the Sands Casino Resort employee parking lot early Friday morning, Bethlehem police said.

The incident happened at a little after midnight as the woman, a Sands employee, was walking back to her car. The teen-ager approached her and starting making “inappropriate comments,” then touched her inappropriately, police said.

As the male continued to make inappropriate comments, the woman got into her car and the teen pulled the car door open. The victim then pulled the car door closed and started the car to pull out. The teen stood in front of the vehicle and the woman threatened to run him over if he didn’t get out of her way.

The male then fled and the victim drove directly to Sands Security, which notified Bethlehem Police.

The 17-year-old is currently detained at the Northampton County Juvenile Detention facility. While he was being booked at Bethlehem Police headquarters, police said, he attempted escape by pushing an officer. The attempt failed.

The teen is charged with indecent assault, unlawful restraint, harassment, disorderly conduct, escape and resisting arrest, police said.

Police said the arrest was the result of a cooperative effort of Sands security, the Pennsylvania State Police Gaming Enforcement Unit and Bethlehem detectives.

“This arrest was a result of good police work and up to date electronic surveillance evidence,” said Det. Lt. Mark DiLuzio through a news release issued this morning.