A 36-year-old New Jersey man, Shivakrishna Bera, was arrested after allegedly groping a woman dressed as the Easter Bunny at the South Hills Village Mall.

Police say he asked questions about the person inside the costume before making inappropriate physical contact, including touching her chest and other parts of the costume.

He was later taken into custody at a nearby movie theater and charged with indecent assault and harassment.

Bera reportedly made statements suggesting he believed the costume was not being worn by a real person, The Smoking Gun has reported.

He is currently being held on bail ahead of a preliminary hearing.