Disneyland Cast Member Arrested In Connection With Dry Ice Blast
ANAHEIM (CBSLA.com) — A Disneyland employee has been arrested in connection with a dry ice explosion that took place at the park on Tuesday, the Anaheim Police Department announced Wednesday.
Christian Barnes, 22, of Long Beach, was taken into custody on suspicion of possessing a destructive device Tuesday night after the incident, which took place around 5:30 p.m. near Mickey's Toontown.
"We take matters like this very seriously and are working closely with local authorities," said Suzi Brown, Disneyland Resort's Director of Media Relations.
Anaheim officers responding to reports of a small bang were directed to a trash can, where they found "remnants of a water bottle, which is indicative of a dry ice explosion," Sgt. Bob Dunn said in a statement.
"All of a sudden you hear this huge pop and you see some stuff out of the trash can," witness Treyson Brown said.
The area was evacuated as a precaution, but no damage or injuries were reported.
Barnes' father, Raymond Barnes, said he doesn't believe his son was trying to hurt anyone.
"He just, accidentally, not thinking, put some dry ice in a water bottle. Maybe just silly not thinking or just forgot the fact that the...if he put the top on, he may have just forgot the bottle might explode," Barnes said. "Whatever it was, there was nothing sinister about it. He's a good kid. Never been in any trouble."
Officials said it's possible Barnes, who was interviewed at the park after the incident, may have planted the water bottle as a prank. Authorities said they believe he was acting alone.
Barnes was being held on $1 million bail. If charged in the case, he could face seven years behind bars.
