(WI) Capitol balloon popper charged with disorderly conduct while armed

[sybylla]

Source: Madison.com

A state worker who cut himself while allegedly popping a protester's balloon at the State Capitol last week was charged Wednesday with disorderly conduct while armed.

Ronald J. Blair, 56, of Jefferson, told police that he hadn't intended to pop a balloon that was held by protester Leslie Peterson on July 25 but that he snapped and "it just happened," according to a criminal complaint filed in Dane County Circuit Court.

Blair is scheduled to appear in court Thursday morning.

According to the complaint, Peterson told police she was in front of the state Supreme Court chambers on the second floor of the Capitol when Blair walked up behind her and used a knife to stab a balloon that she was taking out of a paper bag. Then he identified himself as a Capitol Police officer and said he was tired of retrieving balloons from the Capitol, Peterson told police.





Read more: http://host.madison.com/news/local/crime_and_courts/aa740002-be1b-11e0-9a33-001cc4c002e0.html#ixzz1U0yhAsmA

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Admitted to impersonating a police officer. Denied slaming the protestor into a door. Gets off with Disorderly Conduct.

Still, he faces up to 1 year in jail.

And he's gotten further into the justice system than any other.

But it still sucks that this is it.

[midnight]

1. Thanks for giving us the follow up on this story, I was talking about this incident today..

There are so many going on. Remember Barbara Wirth who testified about the March 30 poll tape... There was indication that the votes were counted.... I was wondering if you know the follow up on that... Specifically how many votes were counted for Posser...

[sybylla]

6. I know of which you speak, but I have no answer as to count.

Ask this in the Wisconsin forum. PeaceNikki was there at the Waukesha recount (and possibly others). She might have your answer.

[plumbob]

2. Okay, so popping a balloon gets you a year and voter suppression gets you nothing?

Wow, man.....

wonder what stealing a loaf of bread would get you?

[RaleighNCDUer]

3. It sounds like it wasn't the balloon that got him a year -

it was using a knife to pop it - wielding a weapon in the Capitol.

[plumbob]

4. In Texas, concealed carry permit holders don't have to go through security -

they are admitted in the fast lane.

[Divine Discontent]

5. yeah, talk about creepy. pulling out a knife to pop a balloon?

and isn't charged for impersonating an officer... sheesh.