Father Arrested for Installing Stop Signs Near Park
A father in California found himself in legal trouble this month after attempting to improve a hazardous intersection close to a children’s park.
Joseph Brandlin, 44, put up a 30-inch sign and painted “STOP” on the ground following a close call involving his son, which he described as “the last straw.” The local news reported on this unusual situation.
At a City Council meeting on March 17, Brandlin explained, “It was almost done, but no one would know anything about it.”
The drastic measure came after Brandlin and other residents had repeatedly urged city officials to change that intersection to a four-way stop, but their efforts were in vain.
After investing about $1,000 into the project, Brandlin was arrested around 2 a.m. on March 14 when an officer noticed him crossing the street with a sign in hand.
He described his arrest as “mind-boggling,” noting that there are four other stop signs in the vicinity, and now he faces charges of grand theft over $400 and criminal damage to property, which could lead to jail time.
“I was arrested and charged with two felonies,” Brandlin stated, expressing frustration at being treated like a criminal for acting out of concern for neighborhood children.
Even with the prospect of prison looming, Brandlin has no regrets. “If it prevents a fatal accident, it’s worth it,” he remarked.
Brandlin pointed out that the problematic intersection is just 100 feet from a newly remodeled park that attracts families and children, with most of the kids being between 3 and 7 years old.
He recounted witnessing various near misses involving children, including a moment when his son was almost struck by a bicycle. “That was the last straw,” he reiterated to the local media.
In his bid to advocate for safety, Brandlin submitted 73 letters from local households backing his actions to council officials, but, disappointingly, no steps had been taken in response.
“The city just didn’t listen,” he lamented.
Brandlin is set to appear in court in June, after which authorities removed the sign and covered over the paint he had applied.
