Sep 2, 2011

Man Arrested At School In 'Full Ninja Attire'



(koco.com 8-23-11)

HILLSDALE, Okla. -- A 21-year-old Garfield County man faces a possible felony charge after he showed up on school property dressed as a ninja and armed with a samurai sword and ninja sais, police said.

Gavin James Stiffler, of Hillsdale, was arrested on Aug. 18 on the campus of Hillsdale Christian School.

He is charged with possession of a weapon on school property.

Investigators said Stiffler was dressed in “full ninja attire” and was in a crane pose when they pulled up to the campus around 7:30 a.m. Stiffler was outside where he was performing martial arts techniques on the school’s playground, according to investigators.

Principal Renae Haymaker told Eyewitness News 5, by phone, that only a few students were on campus at the time and no one was hurt. She also said the school was put on lockdown and buses were diverted until the 21-year-old was in custody.

Surveillance cameras at the school captured the act. However, school officials have declined to release the video.

If Stiffler is convicted, he could face a fine of up to $5,000 and two years in prison.