Arrest of masked man in cape, bulletproof vest was "overkill," lawyer says

By: Barry Leibowitz
Topics: Daily Blotter

Matthew Argintar was still in costume after his arrest on Aug. 1, 2012.

/ Mansfield Township, N.J. Police/CBS New York

(CBS) MANSFIELD TOWNSHIP, N.J. - Last Wednesday, Matt Argintar, 23, was arrested outside a New Jersey Home Depot wearing a mask, a bulletproof vest, elbow and arm pads, and a cape, and carrying handcuffs.

Argintar's attorney calls the arrest of his costumed client "a classic case of overkill" by the police, CBS New York reported.

"I'm not aware of anything in the law that would prohibit anyone from dressing how they choose to dress," William Ware told the station.

"Whether he was in a tuxedo, scuba outfit, or however he was dressed that day, there's nothing preventing anyone from dressing how they choose."

Police charged Argintar with disorderly conduct and unlawful possession of handcuffs. If convicted, Argintar could face up to seven months in the county jail.

"There is nothing illegal about what he did that day," Ware said. "I'm of the opinion police acted prematurely."

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by CC369 August 8, 2012 1:10 PM EDT: I am sure they could have dug up an attempted domestic terrorism if they wanted to get him on a felony charge, considering the recent events here...; Reply to this comment

by TLUnrine1 August 7, 2012 8:33 PM EDT

Dang, unlawful possession of handcuffs - there goes my Friday nite date, have to go back to flex-ties.

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by enlightenu August 8, 2012 10:23 AM EDT: Then you'll face unlawful possession of flex-ties.


by CC369 August 7, 2012 7:25 PM EDT: This attorney needs to be excused. Obviously the guy didn't comply with the po po's commands if he got disorderly conduct. Not too bright.; Reply to this comment