Jackass star Steve-O will face five criminal charges after he climbed a crane in Hollywood to protest against SeaWorld and drew dozens of emergency responders to a construction site earlier this month.
The city of Los Angeles will also seek financial restitution for the cost of the police and fire response, said Frank Mateljan, spokesman for the City Attorney’s Office.
Steve-O, whose legal name is Stephen Glover, was charged on Monday with one count each of creating a false emergency, use of unregistered fireworks, storing fireworks without a permit, possession of fireworks without a permit, and trespassing, Mateljan said.
The charges stem from the August 9 incident and a subsequent search of Glover’s house, he said.
The 41-year-old scrambled up a crane at least 100 feet high on Sunset Boulevard, inflating a large killer whale balloon emblazoned with “SeaWorld Sucks” and lighting fireworks when he reached the top, police said.
Glover, known for his outlandish stunts in the Jackass TV show and movies, later climbed down and was taken into custody.
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 the next day.
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.
Prosecutors are working with police and fire department officials to determine how much restitution will be sought, Meteljan said on Tuesday.
Glover’s arraignment was set for August 31.
The performer was cited last year for another protest against the theme park. Glover said his demonstrations are in response to controversy over the 2103 documentary Blackfish, which criticised SeaWorld’s treatment of killer whales.
