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On May 14th, 2005 I was performing in Times Square with my MUNY (Music Under New York) Arts for Transit Permit when 4 officers approached me after I finished a good first show for rush hour commuters. They asked me for my permit, which was routine when performing with MUNY, as I have been since 2002.
After checking the permit and ID they told me that I could continue to perform but without my 6 foot unicycle. I asked why, since I have been performing with it for years with MUNY, and the other officers in Times Square had previously told me to idle in place during shows in the designated spot so that I'm away from the audience. But these officers insisted, and after about 5 minutes I agreed. I began to pack up the unicycle quietly while they watched. They then went to confer a few feet away.
I placed the unicycle in my duffle bag and prepared for a next show. The officers walked over with my permit, 6 of them now as two others joined them. As I reached for my permit and ID they said "You're done playing for today. Up against the wall." 4 of them held me as the others watched and I was placed under arrest.
A crowd of over 200 watched as the officers held me against the column and my MUNY banner, and then put handcuffs on. As I was completely taken by surprise bytheir actions, I hollered to the audience to please take pictures and videotape what they were doing, as I didn't know why they were arresting me.
The officers escorted me out of the station, held me in a car and repremanded me for a while and transferred me to a local precinct, where my equipment was searched and my criminal record checked. As it was a first arrest, I had no record. I stayed in a cell with some dealers who were already familiar with some of the officers.
I informed the officers that I was in compliance with the permit, and that I had performances the following day. My relatives were allowed to piclup my equipment.
I was held for several hours as the other prisoners were processed. After midnight, I was finally let out of the cell. Expecting to go home, instead the Officer put handcuffs on me again. "What are you doing?" I asked. "I'm taking you to central booking" he said. In the middle of the night I was driven all the way downtown and processed and put in jail with about 10 others in a large cell. There were many others, addicts detoxing, gangs from fights, folks on other charges. I was kept in jail for over 24 hours. After seeing a court appointed lawyer, I was brought before a judge, who asked for 3 days community service.
I turned to my lawyer, handed her my permit, and said nothing to the judge.
Our case was scheduled for July 12th, and the charges, reclesss endangerment, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct, were to be determined then.
I got letters of support from MUNY, a parent in the audience who saw the arrest from the school I was to perform for the next day, and the Catholic School where I used to work as a juggling instructor.
The case went to the DA, who offered a 6 month probation time, but I refused. Instead, I presented my support letters to my lawyer, who talked with the prosecuting attorneys. The case was dismissed and I left.
I was detained and up the whole weekend. I fasted in jail out of anger and outrage. I was given no compensation for the detainment, had to defend my charges and lost a weekend of work.
Sincerely, Josh
After checking the permit and ID they told me that I could continue to perform but without my 6 foot unicycle. I asked why, since I have been performing with it for years with MUNY, and the other officers in Times Square had previously told me to idle in place during shows in the designated spot so that I'm away from the audience. But these officers insisted, and after about 5 minutes I agreed. I began to pack up the unicycle quietly while they watched. They then went to confer a few feet away.
I placed the unicycle in my duffle bag and prepared for a next show. The officers walked over with my permit, 6 of them now as two others joined them. As I reached for my permit and ID they said "You're done playing for today. Up against the wall." 4 of them held me as the others watched and I was placed under arrest.
A crowd of over 200 watched as the officers held me against the column and my MUNY banner, and then put handcuffs on. As I was completely taken by surprise bytheir actions, I hollered to the audience to please take pictures and videotape what they were doing, as I didn't know why they were arresting me.
The officers escorted me out of the station, held me in a car and repremanded me for a while and transferred me to a local precinct, where my equipment was searched and my criminal record checked. As it was a first arrest, I had no record. I stayed in a cell with some dealers who were already familiar with some of the officers.
I informed the officers that I was in compliance with the permit, and that I had performances the following day. My relatives were allowed to piclup my equipment.
I was held for several hours as the other prisoners were processed. After midnight, I was finally let out of the cell. Expecting to go home, instead the Officer put handcuffs on me again. "What are you doing?" I asked. "I'm taking you to central booking" he said. In the middle of the night I was driven all the way downtown and processed and put in jail with about 10 others in a large cell. There were many others, addicts detoxing, gangs from fights, folks on other charges. I was kept in jail for over 24 hours. After seeing a court appointed lawyer, I was brought before a judge, who asked for 3 days community service.
I turned to my lawyer, handed her my permit, and said nothing to the judge.
Our case was scheduled for July 12th, and the charges, reclesss endangerment, resisting arrest, and disorderly conduct, were to be determined then.
I got letters of support from MUNY, a parent in the audience who saw the arrest from the school I was to perform for the next day, and the Catholic School where I used to work as a juggling instructor.
The case went to the DA, who offered a 6 month probation time, but I refused. Instead, I presented my support letters to my lawyer, who talked with the prosecuting attorneys. The case was dismissed and I left.
I was detained and up the whole weekend. I fasted in jail out of anger and outrage. I was given no compensation for the detainment, had to defend my charges and lost a weekend of work.
Sincerely, Josh
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