Headline Washington Times: Elmo imitator charged with aggressive begging

LOS ANGELES (AP) — The red and cuddly “Sesame Street” Muppet Elmo has learned a new lesson….

A man dressed as the character was one of three impersonators arrested last week on charges of harassing tourists for tips after posing for photos on Hollywood Boulevard. The others booked were impersonators of superhero Mr. Incredible and the dark-hooded character from the horror movie “Scream.”…

“With all of the crime in Los Angeles, they pick on us?” said Elmo impersonator Donn Harper, 45, who makes up to $400 per day in tips.

Elmo makes a very good point. Aren’t there higher priorities for the police? It all depends. Was there a Barney or Teletubbie impersonators in the vicinity? If so, they would clearly take precedence.