A notorious internet prankster who moseys around Manhattan demanding that police officers give him their firearms was nabbed by Port Authority cops Friday on a robbery charge, officials said.
Richard Sharp, 24, of Chicago, found himself in handcuffs after he approached police officer Bradley DeSalvo at the Midtown Port Authority Bus Terminal hoping to film a social media video, the union representing Port Authority cops said in an Instagram post.
DeSalvo recognized Sharp from an NYPD advisory that named him as a suspect in a Midtown armed robbery, said the Instagram post. Other sources confirmed the existence of the advisory.
Sharp is well-known among Midtown beat cops who he frequently approaches to ask for their service weapons.
While some cops have engaged Sharp in playful banter, others have been annoyed by his antics and have warned him to back off.
“They just making me more lit. That’s all y’all doing,” Sharp gloated as he was hauled off in handcuffs by Port Authority officers, according to video posted on social media.
A law enforcement source said Sharp was arrested in connection with an incident at Midtown smoke shop, and Port Authority officials confirmed that Sharp would face robbery charges. Details of the robbery case were not released late Friday.
Tyler Fields is your internet guru, delving into the latest trends, developments, and issues shaping the online world. With a focus on internet culture, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies, Tyler keeps readers informed about the dynamic landscape of the internet and its impact on our digital lives.
