4/22/2023 – Charlotte, NC

A 13-year-old boy from Charlotte, North Carolina, had to be rescued by firefighters after he got stuck inside a claw machine at Carowinds amusement park on Saturday. The boy, who identified himself as Asher McCallister, said he was trying to win a stuffed animal from the “Cosmic XL Bonus Game” when he decided to climb into the machine through the prize chute.

“I saw a giant teddy bear that looked like the one from Toy Story and I really wanted it,” Asher said. “I thought I could just squeeze in and grab it, but then I got stuck and couldn’t get out.”

Asher’s parents, who asked to remain anonymous, said they were shocked and embarrassed by their son’s stunt. “We told him not to play with those machines because they’re rigged and a waste of money,” his father said. “But he never listens to us. He’s always getting into trouble.”

Carowinds spokesperson Cindy Jones said the park was not responsible for the incident and that Asher had violated the rules of the game. “The Cosmic XL Bonus Game is clearly marked with a sign that says ‘Do not climb inside’,” Jones said. “We have security cameras and staff monitoring the area, but we can’t watch every kid every second. Parents need to supervise their children and teach them some common sense.”

Jones also said that Asher did not win any prizes from the machine and that he would have to pay for any damages he caused. “He broke the glass, the chute, and some of the wiring,” she said. “He also scared away some of our customers who thought he was a dummy or a prank. He owes us a lot of money.”

Some park visitors, however, found the situation hilarious and took photos and videos of the boy inside the machine. “It was the funniest thing I’ve ever seen,” one witness said. “He looked so embarrassed and scared. He was surrounded by these huge stuffed animals that were bigger than him. He kept yelling for help and trying to get out.” Another witness said, “I felt bad for him, but I couldn’t stop laughing. It was like a scene from a comedy movie. I wonder if he got to keep any of the prizes.”

“It was hilarious,” said Jake Smith, a 15-year-old from Raleigh. “He looked like a hamster in a cage. He was crying and screaming for help, but no one could reach him.”

Another witness, Lisa Brown, a 12-year-old from Charlotte, said she felt sorry for Asher but also thought he was stupid. “He should have known better than to climb into a claw machine,” she said. “Those things are impossible to win. I tried once and I only got a lollipop.”

“He’s lucky he didn’t suffocate or get electrocuted in there. He could have been seriously hurt,” his mother added.  “We’re going to ground him for a month and make him donate all his toys to charity.”