"Batman" accused of stealing $50 from Times Square tourist
NEW YORK -- A man dressed as the Caped Crusader was acting more like the Joker when he allegedly stole $50 from a tourist in Times Square Wednesday night, reports CBS New York.
Police say 42-year-old Jose Escalona-Martinez yanked the money from a tourist's hand and took off. The suspect, dressed as the the superhero from Gotham, had posed for a picture with the victim moments before, reports the station.
Police say Escalona-Martinez was later charged with grand larceny and possession of stolen property.
The alleged theft is the latest in a series of issues involving costumed people in Times Square. Numerous reports of misbehaving characters have sparked cries for regulation, according to the station.
In response, city officials put together a Times Square task force with the aim of reducing such reports. The NYPD also deployed 100 additional officers to the area, according to CBS New York.
Last September, the New York Daily News reported that one of the topless painted women -- also known as "desnudas" -- was accused of offering to sell cocaine to an undercover officer. In June, women dressed as Minnie Mouse and Hello Kitty were arrested after allegedly getting into a fight over tips.
In 2014, a man dressed as Spider-Man was arrested after a allegedly assaulting a woman, and in 2013 a man dressed as Cookie Monster was arrested for allegedly shoving a toddler.