Story Archive

Imposition

Several people called police to complain about a man who parked his van packed with dozens of speakers and “several” amplifiers on a street corner in Queens, New York, N.Y., and blasted music at 10:45 p.m. One of the complaints came from a dugout at Citi Field — the N.Y. Mets were playing the Atlanta Braves, and the loud music was interrupting the game. Police arrested Nelson Hidalgo, 47, who was standing by his van drinking a beer, on charges of criminal nuisance, “general noise prohibition,” and disorderly conduct. “How come I don’t get a ticket this time?” he asked. “I usually get a ticket, or it gets thrown out, or I pay a little fee” rather than be arrested. “I spent over $20 grand on this equipment,” he grumped. “I know it’s illegal, but it’s the weekend.” (RC/AM New York) ...The hand slaps are called “second chances,” and you wasted them.