Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Judge Wants Russian Tourist Who Scaled Brooklyn Bridge To Clean It
By
Ben Yakas
Published Aug 30, 2014
Modified Aug 30, 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
Ben Yakas
Published Aug 30, 2014
Modified Aug 30, 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
Last weekend, a Russian tourist decided to climb the Brooklyn Bridge all the way up to the tower on the Brooklyn side, literally just because he thought it would be "fun." So as penance, Judge ShawnDya Simpson literally wants him to clean the Brooklyn Bridge, which we're sure would be tons of fun.
And the judge was actually doing him a favor in suggesting it: the district attorney’s office wanted to give Russian tourist Yaroslav Kolchin, 24, a 90-day jail sentence for taking selfies while climbing the Bridge. But Simpson thinks that's a bit too harsh, and instead wants him to perform "a bunch of community service."
"If he likes the bridge, then let him clean the bridge,” Simpson said in Brooklyn Criminal Court Friday. "I’m not condoning his behavior. Was it the smartest thing to do? No. Was it malicious? I don’t think so, so I think you need to work it out."
The police response to Kolchin, who was charged with reckless endangerment, criminal trespass and disorderly conduct for the incident, cost taxpayers $7,407, which included the use of a helicopter and two boats.
Sadly, sources tell the Post that it's unlikely that Simpson's decree will come to pass, since there's no program set up for cleaning the Bridge.
Tagged
brooklyn bridge
climbing
fun
penance
Yaroslav Kolchin
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
NYPD searching for suspect after fatal stabbing in Queens
Officers responding to a call at the intersection of Jamaica Avenue and 173rd Street around 1 a.m. found 29-year-old Sulimon Ferrier, who had multiple stab wounds to his chest, police said.
By
Ben Feuerherd
Published Oct 3, 2026 at 4:38 p.m. ET
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
News
NYPD: 2 suspects in off-duty officer stabbing tried to rob victim
It’s unclear if the attackers knew the victim was NYPD.
By
Jill Webb
Astoria-born Chip City announces sudden closure days after former CEO sues
By
Catalina Gonella
US judge tosses Trump lawsuit targeting pro-Palestinian protesters in NJ
By
Willow Higgins
A big, bright Saturn will be the highlight of NYC's fall stargazing season
By
Rosemary Misdary
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 .