Charge reduced for mall Easter bunny who got in brawl with kid's dad

JERSEY CITY, N.J. (AP) — A New Jersey mall Easter bunny who got into a scuffle with a father last month has had a criminal charge against him downgraded.


NJ.com reports (http://bit.ly/21jO9eB ) a Hudson County judge Wednesday downgraded the aggravated assault charge against Kassim Charles to the disorderly persons offense of simple assault. The case also was sent to the Jersey City Municipal Court.

In a video posted on Twitter, the Easter Bunny can be seen tearing off his thick, white gloves and fighting the father. Dozens of mallgoers can be seen surrounding the brawling duo, with some in the crowd participating in the fight as security guards attempt to calm the situation.

Following the incident, both men were taken to Jersey City Medical Centre-Barnabas Health with minor injuries,

Charles is from Jersey City. He had been playing the role of the Easter bunny. Authorities say Juan Jimenez-Guerrero attacked Charles when his toddler daughter slipped from a chair while getting her photo taken.

A video posted online shows them exchanging punches at the Newport Centre.

Charles' defense attorney says they look forward to vindicating "the bunny."

An update on an aggravated assault charge against Jimenez-Guerrero is unavailable. Jimenez-Guerrero's wife says he was trying to protect their child.