Boy rescued from claw game at North Carolina amusement park after climbing in to steal prize

A teenage boy had to be freed from a claw machine after he climbed inside hoping to steal a prize at a North Carolina amusement park.

Carowinds Director of Communications Courtney McGarry Weber said the incident took place just before 2 p.m. Sunday at the park about 13 miles south of downtown Charlotte.

Park officials learned the 13-year-old boy got into the Cosmic XL Bonus Game, which Weber said contained plush prizes.

A medical team responded to the scene, unlocked it and freed the boy at 2:11 p.m, Weber told Paste BN on Tuesday.

The child was treated at the scene for unspecified injuries and released from first aid to his guardian.

Are theme park rides safe? What you should know if you're worried about accidents.

Fuel of $1.85 a gallon? Sheetz drops price on flex fuel, offering gas for $1.85 per gallon for limited time

Banned for one year

The boy has been banned from the park for one year for the reported attempted theft, Weber said.

“The safety and security of our guests and associates is Carowinds’ top priority," Weber said.

According to its website, the 400-acre amusement park on the North Carolina-South Carolina state line is home to top-rated roller coasters, including Fury 325, the world's tallest and fastest giga coaster. It also hosts more than 60 rides, attractions and live stage shows.

Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking and trending news for Paste BN. Reach her at nalund@usatoday.com and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.