LOS ANGELES (KRON/AP) – “Jackass” star Steve-O was arrested after climbing a crane in Hollywood to protest SeaWorld and its treatment of killer whales.
The 41-year-old Stephen Glover scaled a crane at least 100 feet high on Sunset Boulevard, and inflated a large killer whale balloon emblazoned with “SeaWorld Sucks” on Sunday night, Los Angeles police Lt. Michael Ling said. Once he reached the top, Glover is accused of lighting fireworks.
He later climbed down and was taken into custody. The stunt drew dozens of emergency responders to the construction site.
Because the first responders were not sure whether he needed to be rescued, five ambulances, a helicopter and more than 80 firefighters went to the scene, Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said.
She said resources were stretched thin because firefighters were called around the same time to rescue the operator of a harbor crane who was stricken with a medical emergency.
“Some of the resources on this hoax could have been devoted to a real emergency,” Stewart said.
Glover will be booked on suspicion of several charges, including conspiracy to commit trespassing and filming without a permit. The television personality is known for his outlandish stunts in the “Jackass” TV show and movies.
It is possible the city could seek reimbursement from Glover, but it’s too early to know if that will happen and how much could be sought, said Frank Meteljan, a spokesman for the city attorney.
Glover’s representative didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment. A call to SeaWorld has not been returned.
He was cited last year for another protest against the theme park. Glover said his protest was in response to controversy over the 2103 documentary “Blackfish,” which criticized SeaWorld’s treatment of killer whales.