Man Arrested for Throwing Tomatoes at Palin Book Signing
Sarah Palin's book signing at Minnesota's Mall of America almost went off without a hitch.
That was until Jeremy Olson was arrested for throwing tomatoes at the former Republican vice presidential candidate during her book signing.
According to CBS, Olson, 33, allegedly threw two tomatoes from the second balcony, aimed for Sarah Palin. Instead, he missed and struck Bloomington Police Commander Mark Stehlik in the face.
He was off by "maybe ten feet to the left, it wasn't close to her," said the police commander.
Olson now faces charges of 5th degree assault on a police officer and a misdemeanor charge of disorderly conduct.
More than 1,000 people turned out at the Mall of America Rotunda on for Palin's "Going Rogue" book signing.
According to event organizers, attendees must have a mall-issued wristband, which requires a copy of the book purchased from Barnes and Noble or a Barnes and Noble receipt proving of purchase.
Following the book signing, Palin was scheduled to appear a private event at a Bloomington, Minnesota hotel hosted by The Freedom Club State PAC. Entry to the invitation-only event costs $5,000 per person or couple.
As for Olson, maybe he should have done some target practice first before attempting to pelt Palin with tomatoes.
Stehlik also told CBS News that Olson had "a bigger tomato arsenal in his pocket that had yet to be deployed".
Olson is currently being held in the jail at the Bloomington Police Department and when questioned refused to give a statement.
He will likely appear in court later today or tomorrow depending on when the investigators are able to get the case in front of prosecutors.
- Man Chucks Tomatoes at Sarah Palin at MOA (FOX9)
- Disorderly Conduct (FindLaw)
- Assault Overview (provided by Law Offices of Scott David Stewart, P.L.L.C.)