Philadelphia Flyers mascot Gritty has been cleared after being accused of assaulting a young fan at a meet-and-greet event in November.

The police investigation began after the orange mascot was accused of punching 13-year-old Brandon Greenwell after he patted Gritty on the head while they took a photo. Brandon’s father, Chris Greenwell, a season-ticket holder for more than two decades, alleged Gritty “took a running start” and “punched my son as hard as he could.”

Recommended Stories

30 officers hurt during riots in Philadelphia after police shoot and kill a man

Philadelphia police find abandoned van with explosives amid racial tension

Top editor at Philadelphia Inquirer resigns after ‘Buildings Matter, Too’ headline draws outrage