Crime & Safety

Ride Operator Arrested for Getting Drunk on the Job at Butler Farm Show

Todd Michael Boyer is charged with reckless endangerment after troopers said he misbehaved in public.

A ride operator at the is in jail today after police said he got drunk on the job and then urinated under the “Ring of Fire” fair ride.

Todd Michael Boyer, 47, who state police at Butler said has no known address, is charged with reckless endangerment in Tuesday evening’s incident in Connoquenessing Township.

Butler County Commissioner , the farm show’s recording secretary, said Boyer made inappropriate comments to a 20-year-old Butler woman and an 11-year-old girl.

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Once a complaint was filed, Lokhaiser said Boyer grew agitated and began yelling when security officers confronted him. He described Boyer as “being out of it.”

“He was really drinking too much,” he said. “He got mouthy with some of the people and was making lewd remarks toward a couple of the girls.”

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He said the incident was over within 15 minutes. After security subdued Boyer, troopers led him off the grounds, Lokhaiser said. 

"We’re very fortunate that we do have excellent security and they’re on top of everything,” he said.

Lokhaiser said alcohol is not sold or permitted at the farm show. He added show security typically handles a few small incidents every year.

“Nothing to this degree, though,” he said. “We’ve had a few problems in the past with ride operators, but it wasn’t this type where you have exposure or language like that.”

After an arraignment Tuesday before District Judge Tim Shaffer in Slippery Rock, Boyer was taken to Butler County Jail. His bail is set at $20,000.

Lokhaiser said Boyer was employed by J & J Amusement, not the farm show.


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