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Williamsburg Bridge Acrobat Charged With Felony Offense
By
Jamie Feldmar
Published Jul 14, 2011
Modified Jul 15, 2011
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By
Jamie Feldmar
Published Jul 14, 2011
Modified Jul 15, 2011
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Photo via bitchcakesny's Flickr
Earlier this week, acrobat Seanna Sharpe and magician Thomas "Savage" Skinner shocked and awed audiences with a daredevil acrobat stunt atop the Williamsburg Bridge. Naturally, the duo was arrested mere moments after setting foot back upon solid ground, and now, Sharpe speaks out about her charges.
Sharpe was charged with felony reckless endangerment for the stunt, which involved her climbing up the bridge tower and performing a 15-minute acrobatic routine with silk ropes. She told The Post that while she was planning on being arrested, she wasn't anticipating charges that severe. Sharpe said that during the three months she spent planning for the event, her research showed that others who've pulled stunts on the Bridge got "slap-on-the-wrist misdemeanors." "I'm a professional... The cars on the ground were more of a danger than I was. Statistically, I, as an aerialist, am less likely to die on my apparatus than you are in a taxi." She also said that because the Bridge is public, she shouldn't have been charged with criminal trespassing.
Sharpe and Skinner spent Monday and, according to this report, Tuesday night in Rikers. We are currently working to confirm whether or not they are still in custody, though the previous report notes, "I'm told internet supporters helped them raise bail last night within just 3 hours." If Sharpe is convicted, she could face up to seven years in prison.
Tagged
acrobat
arrest
felony
savage skinner
seanna sharpe
stunt
williamsburg bridge
Jamie Feldmar
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