Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

No Cane Do


By

Jen Chung

Published Dec 11, 2007

Modified Mar 7, 2008


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


Never miss a story

 Email address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .


By

Jen Chung

Published Dec 11, 2007

Modified Mar 7, 2008


Share

FacebookTwitterRedditEmail


We rely on your support to make local news available to all

Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations

2007_12_cane.jpgThere are some things needed while reporting for jury duty. Reading material, maybe some snacks, a lot of patience... but a sword and a dagger aren't on the list. But that's what a city employee, headed to Brooklyn Supreme Court, did bring.

The Post reports that 40-year-old Vladislav Lisetsky, who works in the Human Resources Administration, brought in a cane that concealed not only a two and a half foot sword at one end, but a 6 inch dagger at the other. Everyone who goes to the courthouse is screened, and items like canes are screened as well. According to Maj. Luz Bryan, who heads the security officers, Lisetsky's cane "attracted attention because of the way it looked. It had two metal bands. It's an indication that something is concealed. My officers noticed it right away."

Upon seeing the two weapons, Lisetsky apparently told the officers they could keep the sword, to which one replied, "We are going to keep it. And we're going to arrest you." Lisetsky, who claimed he didn't realize the Amazon purchase was illegal and used it as a cane, was charged with criminal possession of a weapon. Sword canes are illegal in New York, as are concealed blades and knives.

Other jury duty tips: Don't drink, don't mouth off to the judge, and don't masturbate.

Tagged

brooklyn

Brooklyn Supreme Court

concealedweapon

court

crime

human resources

juryduty

new york

news

reading

supreme court

swordcane


Jen Chung

Jen Chung is a former WNYC and Gothamist editor.

Read more

Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations


MORE news

NYC Council to consider earlier Legionella reporting after deadly outbreaks

A bill facing a hearing Monday would require cooling tower owners to notify city health officials when bacteria levels reach a much lower threshold.

By

Catalina Gonella

Published Oct 18, 2026 at 7:36 p.m. ET


Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church

Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.

By

Giulia Heyward

News

Staten Island fire injures 2, but spares historic 'Godfather' church

Dozens of firefighters responded to the blaze, which started in a vacant warehouse. It was contained within three hours.

By

Giulia Heyward


Bail reform remains major issue in NY governor's race, 7 years after it became law

By

Gino Fanelli

NYPD identifies Bronx man, 26, killed in Midtown subway shooting

By

Ryan Kost

,

Elizabeth Kim

and

Phil Corso

Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home

By

Ryan Kost


Never miss a story

Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.

Sign upEmail address

By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .