NEWBORN, Ga. (AP) — Not so long ago (Sunday, to be exact) in a small town far, far to the east of Atlanta (actually about 50 miles), a man spent the night in jail for dressing like a Star Wars storm trooper.
The charges: wearing a mask and reckless conduct. WMAZ-TV reports that Justin Marling’s full armor and plastic gun created concern as he walked down a road in Newborn, population 700.
The Jasper County sheriff’s report says deputies thought Marling’s weapon could be real.
Marling says he was only trying to raise awareness for a charitable cause: Star Wars Force for Change, which aims to inspire people to have a positive impact.
Wearing a mask in public is illegal under Georgia law, with some exceptions, such as holidays and special events.
