Charges Dropped for Cirque Performer After Wrongful Arrest

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Art installations symbolizing community engagement during protests in Las Vegas.

News Summary

Jimmy Slonina, a performer in Cirque du Soleil’s ‘Mystère,’ has had charges dropped after a wrongful arrest during protests in Las Vegas. Slonina spent 17 hours in custody despite being unaware of the demonstrations and was attempting to return to his art gallery. Following the case review, the Las Vegas City Attorney declined to pursue charges. Slonina expressed relief and plans to create a one-man show reflecting on his experiences, while his attorney focuses on officially clearing his name.

Las Vegas – Jimmy Slonina, a performer in Cirque du Soleil’s “Mystère,” has had charges dropped against him after being wrongfully arrested during protests in Las Vegas on June 11. Slonina spent 17 hours in custody following his arrest, which occurred while he was trying to access his art gallery, Slonina ARTspace, close to the protest site.

Initially charged with unlawful assembly and failure to disperse, Slonina was unaware of the planned demonstrations that had taken place earlier. He had been attending the Fallout Fringe Festival at Cheapshot before heading home when he encountered tear gas lingering in the air after police had dispersed protestors. Despite presenting his keys and indicating that he was simply trying to return home, Slonina was zip-tied and taken into custody.

After his release on his own recognizance, largely due to the advocacy of his attorney, Dayvid Figler, Slonina’s court appearance, originally set for July 17, was postponed to September 29. Ultimately, the case against him was closed when the Las Vegas City Attorney’s office decided not to proceed with any charges after reviewing the evidence.

Expressing relief over the case being dropped, Slonina is now focused on his creative endeavors, planning a one-man show to reflect on his experience during the incident. He aims to blend humor with meaningful commentary in this artistic project while also expressing gratitude for the support he received from the local community during the challenging time.

Slonina’s lawyer has stated that they do not intend to pursue legal action against the police department but are focused on officially clearing Slonina’s name. Slonina himself described the experience of being wrongfully arrested as harrowing, highlighting that he had no intention of participating in the protest and was simply trying to return home.

The Las Vegas Metro Police department has indicated that they do not comment on individual cases, citing that dispersal orders typically provide reasonable time for individuals to exit the area before enforcement action is taken.

This incident reflects ongoing tensions regarding protest activities in Las Vegas and the intersection of art, personal freedom, and civic engagement. As Slonina continues to process his experience, he looks forward to channeling his history into art that resonates with both humor and significance while ensuring the lessons learned during this event are shared with a wider audience.