'Holy Handcuffs!' Batman Arrested on Hollywood Blvd.

HOLLYWOOD, Mar. 22, 2007 (KABC) -- Joining a list of Hollywood street performers including Elmo, Mr. Incredible and Chewbacca, Batman was arrested Thursday at the corner of Hollywood Blvd. and Highland Ave.

Batman reportedly insisted on using a portable toilet that was rented by local union workers who were picketing a local business on the boulevard.

An argument between the performer and some of the picketers escalated, whereupon Batman proceeded to remove his cape and assume an aggressive posture, taunting the picketers and appearing to pick a fight.

Another street performer dressed as Chewbacca came along and Batman apprised him of the situation. Chewbacca then removed his head-mask and confronted the picketers as well.

Soon thereafter, the LAPD arrived on the scene and arrested Batman.

According to Michael Neiter, a local artist who happened to be on the scene: "I think a lot of the characters and people out here get treated unfairly by the police. They [the police] tend to be a little rough-handed; they arrest people when they really don't need to."

Street performer "Hollywood Afro-man" who witnessed the altercation, held the opposite view: "He's [Batman] no good for here, that's why a lot of the characters named him 'Bat-trash' -- because he's got a trashy mouth."

The LAPD said Batman became belligerent when he was taken to the station, began banging his head, and even kicked out a window in a patrol car.

Batman was arrested for disorderly conduct and booked at Parker Center.

Cameras from the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" television show were on hand to capture the entire incident.

Get more News »

• Email
• Print
• Report a typo
•