In what is becoming a familiar tale, another beloved character in children’s television has hit rock bottom. The New York Police Department arrested Elmo, a Sesame Street muppet, for alleged aggressive panhandling.
Rosa Sanchez, 36, was arrest in Time Square on Tuesday at 3:30 p.m., after becoming aggressive over a tip. Sanchez was found with $200 in cash. The NYPD charged the Elmo character with aggressive solicitation, the New York Post reports. (RELATED: NYPD Courageously Defends Tourists From Costumed Panhandlers)
A City Council member’s new legislation proposal has put Time Square characters in the spot light. Democrat Andy King’s proposed legislation would regulate street entertains like Sanchez, requiring them to obtain a license, wear a photo ID and stay away from subway and store entrances.
“This bill is strictly about safety in the city of New York,” King said.