Woman Dressed As Elmo Accused Of Aggressive Tip Seeking In Times Square
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Another costumed character was arrested in Times Square Tuesday, after reports that she was aggressively demanding tips.
The NYPD Midtown South Precinct on Tuesday released a tweet showing a woman dressed as Elmo in handcuffs. Except for her head, she was still in the costume depicting the red, furry "Sesame Street" monster.
Police told CBS 2 the woman was arrested after reports that she was aggressively demanding tips from people. Charges were pending Tuesday night.
This was the second time in three days that costumed characters in Times Square made headlines for less-than-flattering reasons.
This past weekend, the NYPD told 1010 WINS two men, one dressed as Batman and another dressed as Spider-Man, were arrested after a brawl with another man at the Crossroads of the World Saturday night.
Police said the fight started on 44th Street and Broadway after 23-year-old Thomas Rorke heckled the superheroes, CBS 2's Matt Kozar reported.
Rorke, of Breezy Point, was struck multiple times in the face by the crime-fighting duo, police said. He sustained injuries to his face and was also hit in the chest, causing redness and pain, police said.
The men posing as Batman and Spider-Man claimed to have been punched and struck as well, 1010 WINS reported.
Rorke, along with 41-year-old Jose Martinez, who was dressed as Batman, and 35-year-old Abdel Elkahezai, who was dressed as Spider-Man, were charged with misdemeanor assault, Kozar reported.
City officials have been considering a crackdown on costumed characters in Times Square following a slew of incidents in recent months.
Some of the costumed characters that have been in trouble with the law have long rap sheets, including Elkahezai, the Batman taken into custody Saturday night. Police said he has been arrested for public urination, assault and weapons possession.
The Times Square Alliance met with elected officials in July to talk about growing concerns and solutions to regulate the so-called street performers.
City Councilman Andy King (D-12th) is sponsoring legislation that would require characters to be licensed by the city.
In August, the NYPD handed out leaflets to tourists in Times Square explaining that they did not have to tip characters for taking photos after they said some of the characters have attacked tourists or harassed them for not paying.
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