Seaside Heights police arrested a man today (Tuesday) after he climbed the partially submerged Jet Star roller coaster to raise an American flag. The man reportedly walked down the roller coaster, which still sits in the Atlantic ocean just off Seaside Heights, and into police custody on a waiting police boat. A news helicopter from News 12 captured the man's daring feat and subsequent arrest. Watch the complete video on the left sidebar.
The man has been identified by News 12-New Jersey as Christopher Angelo. The 38-year-old was wearing a red helmet as he climbed the coaster in what was reportedly an effort to gain attention for Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts at the Jersey shore. The Jet Star climb comes just one day after Seaside Heights residents were permitted to return full-time to their homes -- a full 10 weeks after the storm devastated the town made famous on MTV's "Jersey Shore".
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Angelo is believed to be the first person to attempt to climb the Jet Star since the October 29 superstorm dropped it from the Casino Pier into the water below. Those who know him describe Angelo as something of a daredevil. The climb is the type of stunt that had many concerned when Seaside Heights Mayor Bill Akers suggested the Jet Star be left in the ocean as a tourist attraction. It has been decided the coaster will be removed.
The owners of the Jet Star did not return Examiner.com's request for a comment.
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