Beaumont man arrested in banana costume with AK-47

Beaumont police charge an 18-year-old found in a banana costume with an AK47. Beaumont police charge an 18-year-old found in a banana costume with an AK47. Photo: KBMT Photo: KBMT Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Beaumont man arrested in banana costume with AK-47 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Police in Beaumont have arrested a man after concerned drivers reported a seeing someone with a rifle in a banana costume standing at a major highway intersection.

Patrol officers went to the corner of Highway 105 and Eastex Freeway and found the 18-year-old in a bright yellow costume standing at the side of the road with an AK-47 with a 50-round capacity.

They detained him for a short time until it became clear it was a stunt by a local gun store.

The owner of Golden Triangle Tactical gun shop said the teen had been asked to do it as a promotion for their store's new location.

Beaumont police say the man was cited for violating a city ordinance that prohibits soliciting in and alongside the roadways. He may also face future charges related to the display of the firearm, they said in a news release.