Profiling gets nutty

[Piglet 0]

http://www.gazetteextra.com/jvlcon082005.asp

The Force wasn't with a Stormtrooper-clad attendee of the JVL-CON science fiction convention on Friday at the Ramada Inn in Janesville.

Instead, it had him surrounded.

Janesville police got a surprise when they responded to a report of an armed robbery at the Ramada Inn, 3431 Milton Ave.

The alleged suspect was dressed as a Stormtrooper, a soldier for the Galactic Empire in the science fiction movie series "Star Wars."

"Apparently some people who saw him felt there was a threat," said Sgt. Kay Nikolaus of the Janesville Police Department.

The Stormtrooper was really a vendor participating in the weekend convention, held annually at the Ramada Inn, said Joann Lewandowski, who lives with event organizer Ray Norton.

"It was kind of silly but kind of understandable," Lewandowski said.

Whoever called police must have missed the Ramada's marquee out front, which announces the convention being held there, Lewandowski said.

The Stormtrooper got a warning from police-leave the plastic laser gun inside.

So, if you're passing the Ramada this weekend and you see a little green guy with pointy ears and wearing a robe, it shouldn't be an alien concept.

The convention continues at 9 a.m. today and Sunday. For information, visit www.si-fi-nut.com.

Good thing NerdCon 2005 wasn't held in London. The police would be scrubbing the partygoer's brains off the sidewalk.

[AURaptor 1,137]

In 2 weeks, DragonCon will be held here in Atlanta. It's a gigantic con, taking over 3 hotels ( Marriot Marquis, Hyatt Regency and the Atlanta Hilton ) for the better part of 4 days. Started in 1987, it's grown to become a major event. Well over 20,000 geeks, nerds, trekies, gamers and even a few normals are expected to attend this year's edition. Think of it as Mardis Gras for the Sci Fi crowd.

And there's a parade on Sat. morning, which will feature several hundred Storm Troopers marching in formation. I hope no one calls the police.

[Tigermike 3,853]

Hey Raptor, will you be marching?