Elmo Arrested For Harassing Tourists For Tips

[matcom]

:cry:

<snip>

LOS ANGELES -- The red and cuddly Sesame Street Muppet Elmo has learned a new lesson: 'H' is for handcuffs.

A man dressed as the character was one of three impersonators arrested last week for allegedly harassing tourists for tips after posing for photos on Hollywood Boulevard. Booked with him were people impersonating superhero Mr. Incredible and the dark-hooded character from the horror movie "Scream."

The impersonators said they were taken into custody at gunpoint, handcuffed and paraded on the Hollywood Walk of Fame before stunned tourists and other impersonators. They were charged with misdemeanor "aggressive begging," police said.

"With all of the crime in Los Angeles they pick on us?" said Elmo impersonator Donn Harper, 45, who makes up to $400 a day in tips.

Tourists have complained that the costumed characters harass them for not tipping after posing for photos in front of Grauman's Chinese Theater and the Kodak Theater. Merchants say some of the costumed characters are scaring tourists.

Los Angeles Police Officer Michael Shea said police warned impersonators at a meeting last month that the department would start enforcing solicitation and harassment laws. Officers conducted a sting operation by posing as French tourists who didn't understand English or the American tipping culture.

http://www.wftv.com/irresistible/5171246/detail.html

[GOPisEvil]

1. Aggressive Begging?

Interesting.

He had better not ask anyone to "tickle" him in jail.

[matcom]

2. .

:rofl:

[GOPisEvil]

3. Come on...ELMO...BEGGING...

For crying out loud people.

[matcom]

4. you would think 'Convict Elmo' would bring them out quick

:shrug:

[GOPisEvil]

5. No kidding.

Circumcision = a brazillion posts
Elmo getting tickled in jail = crickets chirping

I don't get it. :P

[matcom]

6. well there is NO mention of clitoris in this thread

oops, now there is :D

[GOPisEvil]

7. Oooooh...lemme go start the popcorn.

Hey...Mario is on, and he's cooking "sweet breads". :rofl:

[matcom]

8. go post that in the 'manly' thread

:rofl:

[Sequoia]

12. How would Mr. Noodle handle this?

[CanuckAmok]

9. And yet the real Elmo remains free. There is no justice. n/t

[SOteric]

10. OMG!!! What is the world coming to?!!!

First I find out that Bert is Evil, http://www.bertisevil.tv/index2.htm now Elmo's arrested. Next you'll be telling me that Big Bird is in and out of rehab several times a year.

[matcom]

11. kicking for Elmo

:kick:

[Allenberg]

13. Man, the economy on Sesame Street sucks

Wonder who will be next to move into a trash can :(