Deputies strike back at Dark Side, arrest storm trooper

Thu, May 19, 2016 (9:05 a.m.)

NEWBORN, Ga. — Not so long ago (Sunday, to be exact) in a small town far, far to the east of Atlanta (actually about 50 miles), a man spent the night in jail for dressing like a Star Wars storm trooper.

The charges: wearing a mask and reckless conduct. WMAZ-TV reports (on.wmaz.com/1TpwkHU) that Justin Marling's full armor and plastic gun created concern as he walked down a road in Newborn, population 700.

The Jasper County sheriff's report says deputies thought Marling's weapon could be real.

Marling says he was only trying to raise awareness for a charitable cause: Star Wars Force for Change, which aims to inspire people to have a positive impact.

Wearing a mask in public is illegal under Georgia law, with some exceptions, such as holidays and special events.

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