DETROIT (AP) — A graffiti artist commissioned by the city of Detroit to paint a mural on a viaduct was arrested by police who believed he was committing vandalism.
Sheefy McFly, 29, whose real name is Tashif Turner, was arrested Wednesday. Detroit commissioned him as part of a multi-year effort to fight illegal graffiti with city-approved artwork.
McFly says he didn't have his city-issued permit with him. He says multiple police cars arrived on site even as a city official showed up to vouch for him.
"The city is pyaing me to do this and I'm going to jail for it, it was an oxymoron," McFly told 7 Action News.
Police spokeswoman Nicole Kirkwood says officers found McFly uncooperative. She says the disagreement led to McFly being arrested on suspicion of resisting and obstructing and on a warrant for an old parking ticket.
McFly says he was treated like a felon and felt threatened.
"I'm a muralist. I'm an artist, like this is my entrepreneur, and they stopped me for that," he added.
pappy on June 24th, 2019 at 04:42 UTC »
It's a no brainer to call the city the moment the guy says he's authorized, but forgot his permit. Detain him until you get phone confirmation. Hell, a city employee actually came to the site. It sounds like the police were being difficult when a simple solution was at hand. Verify the guy's story, and arrest him if he's lying. Done.
luckygiraffe on June 24th, 2019 at 02:56 UTC »
Hello McFly, WE HAVE A WAARRANT
Duuuuude_WTF on June 24th, 2019 at 02:00 UTC »