Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Video: Police Harass & Arrest Puppeteer In Times Square Subway Station
By
Christopher Robbins
Published Apr 16, 2014
Modified Apr 16, 2014
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
Christopher Robbins
Published Apr 16, 2014
Modified Apr 16, 2014
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
Section 1050.6 of the MTA's Rule of Conduct explicitly permits artistic performances in transit facilities, providing they do not obstruct pedestrian traffic, are at least 50 feet from a marked MTA entrance, 25 feet from a token booth, and aren't part of aggressive solicitation schemes. Puppeteer Kalan Sherrard appeared to be abiding by the law while he was performing in the Times Square subway station shortly before 1 a.m. on April 6th, but the police arrested him anyway.
Sherrard, 26, tells us that his arresting officer refused to tell him why he was being arrested. "At one point he said something about violating subway codes. He said, 'I asked you to move,' and I was like, yeah, but why?"
The arrest occurs within the first two minutes of the video.
An NYPD spokeswoman says Sherrard was charged with disorderly conduct for "creating a hazardous condition" and obstructing pedestrian traffic. "He was placing dolls on the mezzanine walkway…the dolls had mutilated faces, were encircled with chalk. They obviously had no legitimate purpose."
MTA spokesman Adam Lisberg declined to say whether Sherrard was violating the MTA's code, citing the agency's policy of not commenting on NYPD enforcement actions in the subway.
Sherrard, who performs for a living and has never been arrested in his five years of working underground, admits his art is unusual. "I don't do narrative or representational performance. Usually it's the entitled yuppie types or the frat bros who give me lip. But mostly I get a really good response from people, they think it's very different and they appreciate it."
He adds, "I get why the cops are aggressive at protecting Times Square, and if it's rush hour, it makes sense. But this was one in the morning."
Sherrard was given a DAT, and says he's still unsure as to whether he will accept it or go to trial. We were also curious about what was affixed to the top of his helmet.
"You mean metaphorically or physically?"
Both.
"Well, materially it's spray foam…like insulation. Metaphorically, it's the wetness, that tellurion wetness; it's the violence in euphoria."
Gothamist's managing editor John Del Signore was similarly arrested while he was performing at the Herald Square subway station in 2000. Of the city's steadily more stifling environment for artists and free speech, he writes:
Space and Time are doled out carefully by the City, with preference given to corporations with the most money and least offensive political messages. That this is unsurprising doesn’t make it any less revolting.
Tagged
buskers
free speech
MTA
street artists
Times Square
Christopher Robbins
Christopher Robbins is a New York City reporter covering transportation, affordable housing, local politics, and criminal justice. His work has also appeared in New York Magazine, The Village Voice and The New York Times. Chris is a graduate of Patrick Henry High School in Roanoke, Virginia, and enjoys biking to Fort Tilden in the summertime.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NY Gov. Kathy Hochul, Bruce Blakeman spar over immigration, cost of living in debate
The Democratic incumbent repeatedly invoked President Donald Trump. The Republican challenger largely avoided bringing up New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.
By
Jon Campbell
Published Oct 13, 2026 at 9:05 p.m. ET
Manhattan neurologist charged with sexually abusing 2 patients, DA says
Prosecutors say Dr. Tariq Lamki abused two patients during appointments at a medical practice near Stuyvesant Town.
By
Giulia Heyward
News
Manhattan neurologist charged with sexually abusing 2 patients, DA says
Prosecutors say Dr. Tariq Lamki abused two patients during appointments at a medical practice near Stuyvesant Town.
By
Giulia Heyward
Years of bus headaches start Thursday as Port Authority advances Midtown terminal work
By
Ramsey Khalifeh
and
Carol Chen
ICE admits to using Roxbury, NJ warehouse site to process immigrants
By
Mike Hayes
Dolan's offer: Donations to Blakeman for Knicks tickets
By
Walter Wuthmann
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 .