Charge Dropped Against Blind Activist Arrested At Capitol

MASON, Mich. (AP) - Prosecutors have dropped a case against a blind man who was accused of obstructing police at a Lansing celebration for a federal disabilities law.

A trial was supposed to start Monday for Paul Harcz, also known as Joe. The case was dropped without an immediate explanation by the Ingham County prosecutor's office.

An event was held last September at the state Capitol to celebrate the anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Police believe Harcz wanted to disrupt it. The 63-year-old Genesee County man was accused of striking officers with his white cane as he tried to get past a barricade.

Harcz insists he had been invited to the event.

Outside court, he told the Detroit Free Press that he plans to sue state police.
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