An aggressive panhandler was arrested for third time this week, in Fresno, and many in Fresno want to see panhandling stop.
Fresno Police arrested 43-year old Kevin Joy – a repeat panhandler – who had nearly $2000 dollars on him.
Police say they’re familiar with joy and his aggressive panhandling and he was cited more than 60 times last year for the same thing – illegally standing in a median.
Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer says the panhandling issue is not something new to the police department.
“Unfortunately, what we have is individuals out there that panhandle that are defiant – that we either issue citations to or arrest and take to jail that continue in that life of panhandling and many of those on the median islands.” – Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer.
Chief Dyer says part of the initiative to dissuade this behavior needs to come from the citizens, themselves.
“We often times see community members give them money, which enables them to continue in the lifestyle they have, using that money for the purchase of drugs and or alcohol, so, we want people to not provide them with money – but if they feel the need to give money then to do so to a local charity like the Povarello House or the Fresno Rescue Mission — those individuals that provide services to those people that are out on the streets.” – Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer.
The Police Chief says he has never heard of the Povarello House turning away someone because they didn’t have space.
In terms of the law, a panhandler could receive a number of citations – for no panhandling on medians or aggressive panhandling or a vehicle code violation for interfering for traffic flow.
They will be arrested and have to appear before a judge.
If someone is seen panhandling – Chief Dyer says to call the Police Dispatch Non-Emergency: 559-621-7000.
