Missionaries for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Elder Pugh and Pattee, take their turns in the jail.   

 

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) – Following a time-honored tradition, Red Suspender’s Day kicked off with the “Unjustice Court.” Literally anyone in town could be arrested for infractions such as being too friendly, twerking, being late to work or having too much fun.

Both police and firefighters were tasked with making the arrests. About 40 to 45 individuals were arrested and were then bailed out. Inmates were fed pizza and drinks while in jail.

The judge of the “Unjustice Court” was Fire Chief Mike Conaty and the bailiff was Chamber of Commerce President Lynne Spencer. Bail was usually about $20 per person, with proceeds going to Gridley Fire and Police departments.

Gridley Police Officer Ashley Gibson has Tracey Dukes in handcuffs.

Firefighters caught up with me at my residence, about 10 a.m. Friday. Keeping the officers waiting was added to my crime of being “too friendly.” I joined another criminal named Shannon in the fire truck. Her crime? “Having too much fun.”

Shannon was notified by her accuser, Jessica Flatt, ahead of time, so Shannon came equipped with bubbles, silly string, noise makers, fake jewelry and music (including “We’re Caught in a Trap” and “Jail House Rock”). I enjoyed blowing bubbles out of the fire truck window on the way to Rotary Park (probably a little too much).

Of course, all of the accused were jailed immediately upon arrival.

So Shannon and I joined Danny from Bangor in the jail cell. Shannon works for DoorDash and is going to school to become a massage therapist. Danny works as a lineman and said he had been arrested once before about four or five years ago. Shannon and I were first-time offenders. With the bubbles, silly string, noise makers and music, Judge Conaty accused us of having too much fun in there and he was right.

Some were not as happy to be there.

Danny was the first to get bailed out.

Fellow inmates Shannon and Danny appear unremorseful. 

We were joined by Pamela Roberts, wife of Gridley City Councilmember James Roberts. Her offense was “twerking.”

Officer Ashley Gibson from Gridley Police Department and Gridley City Administrator Elisa Arteaga came later, along with two young missionaries from the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, Elders Pugh and Pattee. They were accused of doing too much service to the community.

Stephanie and Dwight Cooper had pity on me for having been in jail the longest and bailed me out.

Have some fun and get arrested next year!