Frosty the Snowman accused of assaulting police dog and officers

A man in a "Frosty the Snowman" costume was led away in handcuffs on Saturday morning during the town's annual Christmas parade, charged with assault and disorderly conduct. Police identified the man as Kevin Michael Walsh, 52, of Chestertown. Walsh was charged with assaulting two police officers and a police dog, according to Sgt. John A. Dolgos. Walsh also was charged with disorderly conduct.

After processing at the police station, Walsh was to be taken to the district court commissioner's office for a bond hearing, according to Dolgos. The charges against Walsh stem from an alleged confrontation at about 10:15 a.m. at Cross and High streets the nexus of the Christmas parade, which stepped off at 10 a.m.



Walsh is accused of kicking at police dog Henzo. The dog was sitting at the intersection with handler Pfc. James Walker as part of "traffic control" for the parade. Dolgos said that Walker "kindly escorted him away from the crowd and then it got heated." As Walsh was taking off the head portion of the "Frosty" costume, he allegedly hit Walker in the face with it, according to police.

Walker and Pfc. Marty Heinefield placed Walsh on the sidewalk in front of The Compleat Bookseller "as part of routine takedown," Dolgos said. The arrest was very public. Walsh could be heard screaming, over the din of the parade, "You have no right to arrest me." As Walker and Heinefield were trying to place Walsh in the patrol car, Walsh allegedly pushed Heinefield.