Once Again, A 90-Year-Old Florida Man Has Been Arrested for Feeding the Homeless

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Complex Original

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For the second time in less than a week, an elderly man's kindness has landed him in police custody. 

Arnold Abbott, 90, was arrested on Sunday for feeding homeless people in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.—a generous act he's been performing since 1991. According to the New Times Broward-Palm Beach, Abbott was arrested because his actions violated a brand new rule which prohibits feeding the homeless in public places unless there are "hand washing and toilet facilities, [permits] and [feeding takes place] only in certain locations."

Abbott vowed to continue doing what he's been doing for the past 23 years, and was arrested yesterday evening, as he expected to be: 


On Wednesday, Abbott drew a large crowd of supporters and news cameras as he went about serving those in need in his usual spot on Fort Lauderdale Beach, behind Bahia Mar. The 90-year-old chef has been helping feed the area's homeless through his non-profit group Love Thy Neighbor Fund.


But soon enough, four police officers approached Abbott to lead him away. As they ushered him through the crowd, chants broke out calling out his name. Others yelled out "Shame!"

Abbott, who sued Fort Lauderdale (successfully, albeit) from preventing him from serving meals on the beach in 1999, faces a maximum of 60 days in jail and a $500 fine. 

[via New Times Broward-Palm Beach]

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