Gothamist

A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.

Gothamist

WNYC Listen Live

Donate

 

 

News

Video: Times Square Spider-Man Attacks Cop During Arrest


By

Christopher Robbins

Published Jul 27, 2014

Modified Jul 27, 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 .

View all 6


By

Christopher Robbins

Published Jul 27, 2014

Modified Jul 27, 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

"There's going to be a new Spider-Man in Times Square," the general manager of the Hyatt Times Square said at a meeting earlier this month. "Because the old one is still picking up his teeth after trying to take my two-year-old niece out of my wife's arms the other day." New York City, meet your new Spider-Man.

According to a colorfully-worded statement from the NYPD, an officer standing his post at West 42nd Street and Broadway yesterday afternoon noticed Spider-Man taking a photo with a couple. When the woman tried to give Spider-Man a dollar, he declined, and "put out his hand and told the woman fives, tens or twenties only."

The officer then interjected, the release states, telling the couple that they can donate whatever they please. "At this point Spiderman tell the officer to 'mind your own ****ing business,' " the release states.

When the officer asks for his ID, Spider-Man informs him that he doesn't have any, prompting the officer to inform him that he's under arrest. The Post has video of what happens next.

The officer was treated for minor injuries at NYU Langone. Brooklyn resident Junior Bishop, 25, was charged with second degree assault on a police officer, resisting arrest, criminal mischief, and disorderly conduct.

At that Times Square meeting on July 8, community members recommended licensing costumed characters in the tourist district, a tricky move considering that panhandling is a constitutionally protected form of speech, though that hasn't stopped NYPD Commissioner Bill Bratton from supporting it.

Tagged

nypd

Times Square

Times Square character


Christopher Robbins

Twitter

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

Queens man charged with hate crime at Jewish-owned bagel shop displaying Israeli flags

Prosecutors say the 22-year-old damaged property outside the Fresh Meadows shop twice in May.

By

Giulia Heyward

Published Oct 19, 2026 at 6:07 p.m. ET


MTA train yards are in such bad shape plants are growing out of the roof, watchdog says

In some cases, the damage was “clearly not recent."

By

Stephen Nessen

News

MTA train yards are in such bad shape plants are growing out of the roof, watchdog says

In some cases, the damage was “clearly not recent."

By

Stephen Nessen


High-ranking NYC officials to testify in ex-buildings boss Eric Ulrich's corruption trial

By

David Brand

Mamdani launches new team to help NYers keep SNAP, Medicaid benefits

By

Caroline Lewis

Riders at 53rd St. station where man was fatally shot say they worry about gun violence

By

Ramsey Khalifeh


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 .