WBRZ - Baton Rouge

A 66-year-old woman's family claim she was hit in the head with a heavy hook when a parade rider in Houma threw the harness supposed to keep him on the float.

Patricia Vega of Houma says her 66-year-old mother, Charlene Babin, was released after treatment for a head contusion on Sunday.

Houma Police Lt. Jude McElroy, who was riding behind the float, says the complaint is under investigation.

He says a city ordinance requires riders to be strapped in.

But he says the rider did not appear to throw the harness on purpose, which would be required for a battery charge.