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Ex-Cop Pleads Guilty To Peeing On Metallica Fan
A former Massachusetts police officer pleaded guilty in a plea bargain Wednesday after being accused of exposing himself and peeing on fellow fans at a Metallica concert at Boston’s TD Banknorth Garden Jan. 18.
Joseph Houston, who was a member of the Brewster Police Department but was then fired after the incident, was arraigned on two counts of assault and battery and one count of open and gross lewdness.
Here’s what went down at the Metallica show, according to the Cape Cod Times:
“According to a Brewster Police Department investigation, witnesses said Houston consumed a half-dozen beers at a bar before the concert. He then physically and verbally harassed a family that had traveled to Boston from out of state and were seated in the row in front of Houston and his brothers.
“Houston pulled down his pants, exposed his penis and urinated on a man’s shirt, seat and the floor beside him, according to what the family told police. With his penis still exposed, Houston lunged at the man’s sister, according to the Brewster police investigation.”
Houston pleaded guilty to a lesser charge of assault and indecent exposure.
Photo: AP Photo
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony, Public Auditorium, Cleveland, Ohio
On Wednesday he also faced trial for trespassing because he re-entered the venue after being thrown out of the concert by security personnel and MBTA Transit Police, according to the Cape Cod Times.
He refused to leave the area after repeated orders to do so by officers and then flashed his badge at an officer and called another cop, who was black, “Obama.”
Houston pleaded guilty on the charges of trespassing and assault and battery.
Yeah, racist remarks really get you far after peeing on innocent concertgoers just trying to enjoy some metal. Maybe it’s a good thing this incident happened and Houston was kicked out of the police force now rather than later. Ever check out the weekly mug shots on TheSmokingGun.com? Houston’s would have been a classic. His shirt of choice for the Metallica show and subsequent arrest? A T-shirt that says “Alcoholic” in Metallica’s font. Nice.
Houston is going to have some time to think about what he’s done as he’s headed to alcohol evaluation and treatment as part of his plea bargain. He must have no contact with the family he peed on and reimburse them $2,631 in ticket fees. He also isn’t allowed any further appeals or arbitration over his termination from the Brewster Police Force.
“If he abides by those conditions for the duration of the continuance, the cases will be dismissed. If he doesn’t, then they go to trial,” said Jake Wark, spokesman for Suffolk District Attorney Daniel Conley.