Don’t Mess with the ‘Creepy’ Zohan: Cops warn Californians about Cookie Monster ‘Adam Sandler’ who tormented NYC as Evil Elmo
SANTA CRUZ, CALIFORNIA: A prominent street performer who was once infamous for launching an antisemitic tirade while wearing an Elmo costume in Times Square is now harassing tourists in Santa Cruz while dressed as Cookie Monster, according to the police. Adam Sandler (not the actor) switched from Sesame Street to hustle for tips at the picturesque dock of the city, where he has been hurling profanities and harassing tourists.
Although Sandler hasn't broken any laws in Santa Cruz, police advised the public to avoid the Cookie Monster impersonator because of his lengthy criminal record. Cops warned visitors to keep an eye out for a man and urged them to "not engage" with him after receiving numerous calls about the costumed creep who has been frightening people by shouting at them and spitting angry conspiracy theories, as reported by KSBW.
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When Sandler was arrested in September 2012 after going on a hysterical anti-Jewish diatribe at the Crossroads of the World, he quickly gained notoriety as a Big Apple villain. He was called "Evil Elmo" after entering a guilty plea to disorderly behavior.
He was sentenced to a year behind prison in 2013 for the equally bizarre act of trying to extort $2 from the Girl Scouts in Manhattan, before eventually fleeing out West and altering his Muppet identity, according to reports from the New York Post.
The street performer, who also goes by the name Dan Sandler, was apprehended in San Francisco in 2014 while working occasionally in costume at Fisherman's Wharf. In that incident, he allegedly said "I'm going to rip your throat out" at a food vendor in San Francisco.
Troy Campbell, the Fisherman's Wharf Community Benefit District's then-executive director, at the time said, "He goes on rants and raves and accuses people of conspiracy theories. He frightens visitors and locals. Whatever business he’s in front of has a horrible day.”
What do the police say?
California police are advising folks to stay away from the spooky Cookie Monster at all costs. According to reports, Sandler, 59, approaches parents in tourist places looking for money by looking for kids who want their picture taken with "Cookie Monster."
“We are getting calls from people who say he is ‘creepy.’ Based on his history, we advise the public to not engage with this individual. Steer clear from him,” SCPD spokeswoman Joyce Blaschke told KRON4 Tuesday, February 21.
On Wednesday, February 22, a spokesperson for the Santa Cruz Wharf issued a public service announcement. “In recent weeks you may have seen a man dressed up like the Cookie Monster in the Santa Cruz area including the Beach and Wharf areas. It is important to note he is not employed by, contracted by, or permitted by the City of Santa Cruz or any local business,” the PSA stated.
“He is exercising his First Amendment rights, however, if you have concerns about inappropriate behavior or him claiming to be hired by the City or a business, you should contact Santa Cruz Police immediately,” said the PSA.