Dogs running off the leash where they shouldn’t on a grass lawn in the northeast section of Washington Square Park around 6:30 p.m. Mon., July 16, brought Park Enforcement Police officers to the area. Four so-called “crusties” — young homeless travelers, apparent dog owners, who frequent the neighborhood — were asked for ID and all but one said they had none.
Police said one of the suspects refused to give his name, denied ownership of the dogs, and then spit in the arresting officer’s face. He was immediately arrested.
The other three yelled at the PEP officers as they were trying to handcuff the spitter, identified as Robert Milburn, 27, who was charged with obstructing government administration.
One woman made certain to call out the names of the officers. Another pointed out that cameras were on the officers, and shouted that she hoped they’d enjoy “being on YouTube tomorrow.”
Police said Milburn had possession of a hypodermic needle when he was arrested.
On Sun., July 15, in another crusty-dog-related incident in Washington Square Park, one of the young travelers harassed a senior after the latter complained about the crusty’s pooch peeing in the fountain. When the senior tried to call 911, the crusty pushed him, ripped his sunglasses off his face and stomped on them, breaking them.
— Albert Amateau and Ellen Moynihan
