NEW YORK (AP) — Street performers dressed like Iron Man, the Hulk and Anna from “Frozen” accosted tourists in Times Square, demanded cash from them, refused to give them change and were arrested on Thursday just hours after the city started painting teal rectangles in pedestrian plazas to confine the costumed characters, police said.
The color-coded Designated Activity Zones are meant to rein in the pushy panhandlers who have flooded the area, in some cases harassing passers-by to take photos with them in exchange for tips. Workers started painting the zones on Wednesday.
On Thursday, Iron Man, the Hulk and Anna took photos with a man and a woman from Iowa, demanded tips and walked off without giving the tourists their requested change, a police spokesman said. Charges against the characters were pending Thursday night.
Under a law signed by Democratic Mayor Bill de Blasio in April, street performers and costumed characters can be issued summonses or face arrest if they’re caught operating outside the eight designated rectangles. Each area is painted teal and measures 8 feet by 50 feet. MORE