Man arrested for sitting on park bench after dark

An Orlando man spent nine days in jail for sitting on a park bench at the wrong time of day.

William Alfred, 65, went to jail for sitting in a Parramore park after dark. Orlando police say they're enforcing a zero tolerance policy for the homeless and other violations at Z.L. Riley Park after sunset.

Alfred lives one block from the park and was arrested shortly after 8:00pm.



"I hope they forget about it. I'm caught up in this whole mess no more," said Alfred.

The jail said Alfred was eligible for pre-trial release just hours after his initial arrest, but he refused. Alfred said he does not remember that happening.

Alfred's next court date is in April. He hopes the case will be dismissed.

With news video.