'Jackass' star arrested for SeaWorld protest

LOS ANGELES -

"Jackass" star Steve-O was arrested after climbing a crane in Hollywood to protest SeaWorld, and drawing dozens of emergency responders to a construction site.

Stephen Glover, 41, scrambled up a crane at least 100 feet high on Sunset Boulevard, inflating a large killer-whale balloon emblazoned with "SeaWorld Sucks" and lighting fireworks when he reached the top Sunday night, Los Angeles police Lt. Michael Ling said.

Glover, known for his outlandish stunts in the "Jackass" TV show and movies, later climbed down and was taken into custody.

Because the first responders were not sure whether he needed to be rescued, five ambulances, a helicopter and more than 80 firefighters went to the scene, Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said.

She said that resources were stretched thin because firefighters were called around the same time to rescue the operator of a harbor crane who was stricken with a medical emergency.

"Some of the resources on this hoax could have been devoted to a real emergency," Stewart said.

Glover will be booked on suspicion of several charges, including conspiracy to commit trespassing and filming without a permit.

It is possible the city could seek reimbursement from Glover, but it is too early to know if that will happen and how much could be sought, said Frank Meteljan, a spokesman for the city attorney.

Glover was cited last year for another protest against the theme park. He said his protest was in response to the controversy over the 2103 documentary "Blackfish," which criticized SeaWorld's treatment of killer whales.