Texas cops arrest man carrying an AK & dressed in banana suit

[Armybrat]

http://www.click2houston.com/police-cite-man-dressed-as-banana-carrying-ak47/-/1736084/24388136/-/vs4cvuz/-/index.html

Dude got Chiquita'd.

BTW - It is not against the law to open carry long guns in Texas.

And the guy was not soliciting - he was advertising.

[mr surveyor]

regardless of how the silly news story reads, I can see the guy arrested and convicted on at least two charges ... even though state law does not prohibit the carrying of long guns. First, he created a public disturbance - whether we would agree with the concept or not. Second, he was wearing a "mask", which is considered a code violation in many locales in public places.

An idiotic way for the merchant to advertise, and an 18 year old now with a "record".

[Armybrat]

regardless of how the silly news story reads, I can see the guy arrested and convicted on at least two charges ... even though state law does not prohibit the carrying of long guns. First, he created a public disturbance - whether we would agree with the concept or not. Second, he was wearing a "mask", which is considered a code violation in many locales in public places.

An idiotic way for the merchant to advertise, and an 18 year old now with a "record".

How was he creating a "public disturbance"? He wasn't waving the AK around. Read how he had it strapped to his back, barrel pointed down. How is that threatening or creating a disturbance?

I've never heard that wearing a mask (a costume in this case) is a code violation. Do Beaumont cops fill their jail with kids on Halloween?

A false arrest, IMO.

[mr surveyor]

unfortunately, I think you will find that open carry of a long gun within incorporated areas can and will cause an uproar from the squimish among us, and is codified in quite a few places as causing a public disturbance. The "mask" issue in public places is still on the books in many cities, dating back to a previous century, and has been tagged onto other infractions to bump up the violations. I can't cite any particular cases ... just going on memory of some things I remember from the past. I don't know about city regs in Beaumont, but from other things I've heard/read in the past 6-8 years, I wouldn't doubt but what the young fellow doesn't have to dig deep into his piggy bank for legal fees ... even if he does "walk" in the end.

[CJB]

Second, he was wearing a "mask", which is considered a code violation in many locales in public places.

Let me be specific with the mask issue. In Florida, (and I know the story is not Florida) many folks think the wearing of a mask in public is against the law, and in fact it against the law, but only when the mask is used to incite fear or conceal identity during the commission of a crime. The no-mask law was written to thwart the KKK and has nothing to do with costumes or wind masks or other facial coverings. LEOs have brought bikers to jail, impounded bikes, done basically the ol' whompin' legally on folks, only to have each and every case tossed out. Unfortunately, riders have lost bikes due to crazy impound fees that start at $250 for admission and double every day. On day two its $750, day three its $1750, and day four its $3750 to redeem your ride. If you get taken in on a Friday, you're gonna get to see a judge on Monday, and get a paper to walk and a $3750 bill to redeem your bike. LEO's know this.....and have made "good use" of the situation to keep the biker crowd down for wearing a facial windscreen in the winter here. Jus' sayin!

EDIT:
To counter such LEO tactics, its now the custom to give power of attorney to at least several of your fellow riders, such that each can redeem your ride in such situtations, for the measly sum of $250. In 2008, when I got busted - it was only $185, doubling daily. No mask. I got the "blue dot on the tail light", failure to show motorcycle endorsement on license, loud exhaust, improper safety equipment (steer horns on helmet thats not even needed by law), riding too slow (doing the speed limit minus 5mph!), all sorts of crap. I think it was 8 tickets, plus impound. Judge threw it all out instantly. Didn't have to say a word. One look, at the papers, case dismissed. Wrong place at wrong time I guess.

[ced_56]

This happened in my city. From what I gather he got a ticket for soliciting sales from the road and thats it. Hardly a big ticket and I am sure will get paid fo by the store. Hell only about 2 weeks ago did they finally put signs up here not to bring your gun into the mall

[muggsy]

I can sum up this situation in two words. Dumb stunt.

[Longitude Zero]

I can sum up this situation in two words. Dumb stunt.


Agreed. In OK due to the Iranian protests of 3 decades ago we have an ordinance that mandates NO FACIAL covering of any kind when making political stands/campaigning/attending a political rally and or function etc. So even at patriotic flag rallies in the cold do not were a full face stocking cap. It can and has rightfully gotten dummies busted.


This guy is an idiot and by pushing the boundaries by fringe elements is NOT what is needed right now.

[yqtszhj]

It was the AK that got him. Not the "Mask."

You think if he was dressed like a chicken for a new chicken restaurant he would have gotten in trouble? I don't think so.

[Bill K]

He should have been dressed as an AK and slung a bandoleer of bananas. :)

[Armybrat]

No Mellow Yellow in the Beaumont PD apparently.

[berettabone]

He wanted attention...........................he got it.....................................

[getsome]

Have you been arrested wearing a Banana suit while carrying a rifle???....Call the Law Offices of J. Noble Daggett and don't let your Legal Rights slip away...:cool:

[Longitude Zero]

Have you been arrested wearing a Banana suit while carrying a rifle???....Call the Law Offices of J. Noble Daggett and don't let your Legal Rights slip away...:cool:


I possess the intelligence and temperament to have NEVER been arrested EVER. Just because it is legal to do something does not mean it is the smart thing to do.

[Armybrat]

Well, the gun store owner sure got plenty of free publicity for his store.

The charge against the kid will be dismissed most likely.

[GLOCKROCKER]

Note to self: When wearing banana suit - carry concealed.

[muggsy]

I think that the guy may beat the rap on appeal. :)

[Armybrat]

I think that the guy my beat the rap on appeal. :)

I see what you did there. {{groan}}