Gainesville man arrested after reportedly assaulting minor in haunted house

A Gainesville man was arrested Friday on suspicion of sexual offense against a minor at a haunted house. The incident happened at 303 SW 170th St., according to police records, at a Halloween haunted house event held by teenagers playing the "scare actors." The 15-year-old victim was reportedly playing one of the "scare actors" and was sitting in a wheelchair along the property. According to the arrest report, Lonnie J. Ward, 47, was the last person who went through the haunted house. Upon entering, he allegedly approached the victim and touched her inappropriately, then stared at her "in a bizarre manner," according to the arrest report. A teenager standing behind the victim witnessed the event and reported Ward tried to "play it off" by looking surprised and left the area after making eye contact with him. Ward denied allegations of touching the victim and stated he was looking for his son in the haunted house. Ward was charged with "lascivious molestation," according to the arrest report Friday at his house. Contact Julia Levi at Follow her on X