AK-47-toting banana cited for roadside soliciting

A man dressed in a banana costume with an AK-47 slung over his shoulder caught the attention of the police as well as passing motorists in Beaumont, Texas on Saturday morning.



Derek Poe, says Saturday was his store's grand opening after moving locations. Poe says the man in the banana costume was holding an AK-47 across his back with the barrel pointing down and holding a sign with an arrow pointing toward the store. He said this idea was to attract customers to the store.

Beaumont police say officers temporarily detained the 18-year-old and found he had the rifle with a drum magazine attached with at least a 50-round capacity. Police say the teen was cited for violating a city ordinance that prohibits soliciting in and alongside roadways.



Sgt. Rob Flores says police also gathered the necessary information on the weapon and completed paperwork for consultation with the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office concerning possible future criminal charges related to his display of the firearm.