The new "Give-to-me Elmo"

I came across this news story today about an Elmo impersonator that was arrested by the Police for harassing families for tips. Supposedly, the man dressed up as Elmo and posed for pictures with kids and families, but became rather insistent about tipping afterwards.

What a sad state of affairs, when someone has to use a beloved children's character to try and bilk unsuspecting tourists out of money. He might as well have dressed up as Santa Clause or the Easter Bunny. Worse yet, imagine the parents of the kids trying to explain to them why Elmo threatened to send the Cookie Monster out to "break some legs", or why Elmo was handcuffed and stuffed into the back of a squad car. Elmo might need to insight the talents of The Count to help him figure out how many days he will be in jail.