Spider-Man Accused Of Assaulting Police Officer In Times Square
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- A man dressed as Spider-Man in Times Square wound up in cuffs Saturday night after he allegedly assaulted a police officer following a dispute with a woman.
According to authorities, the police officer was standing at his post at West 42 Street and Broadway when he witnessed a male, identified as 25-year-old Junior Bishop, dressed as Spider-Man take a photo with a man and woman.
The woman then tried to give Bishop a dollar tip, which he allegedly refused. Police said the crime-fighting hero then put out his hand and told the woman he only accepts $5, $10, or $20.
Overhearing the exchange, the police officer told the woman she can donate whatever she wants. At which point, Bishop told the officer to "Mind your own (expletive) business," police said.
Authorities said Bishop continued to yell, curse and argue after the officer told him that while he may accept tips, he was not allowed to request money.
After the officer requested identification and Bishop could not provide any, he was placed under arrest, police said.
While the officer attempted to place Bishop under arrest, he allegedly broke free and punched the officer in the face, causing the officer swelling around his eye and a laceration to his face.
Additional police officers arrived on the scene and were able to place Bishop into police custody.
The officer, who has been on the job for a year and a half, was taken to NYU Langone Medical Center where he was treated and released, police said.
The incident comes on the heels of several other arrests of characters in Times Square.
In late June, a different Spider-Man was arrested for allegedly groping a New Yorker. In that same week, a completely different Spider-Man was convicted of harassing a woman in a Times Square spat.
There was also a recent reported brawl between two Statues of Liberty, a man dressed as Woody from "Toy Story" who was accused of forcibly groping women, and in April of 2013 a man dressed as the Cookie Monster was charged with endangering the welfare of a child after allegedly shoving a 2 1/2-year-old boy.
The head of the Times Square Alliance has called for regulations on costumed characters, saying they've gotten out of control.
Bishop is charged with assaulting a police officer in the second degree, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, and disconduct.
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