Whoa.

From the Northwest Herald:

CARY – A Cary-Grove High School senior was arrested Tuesday on a disorderly conduct charge after his English teacher notified police that an essay he wrote contained nonspecific references to violence.

Allen W. Lee, 18, of Cary was charged Tuesday morning after police determined that essay references to shootings were alarming. He posted $75 bond and is set to appear in court June 18.

While I'm not surprised that people are being cautious after Virginia Tech, this is...  Wow.  This kid got arrested.  For writing.  An essay.  I could even understand it if they'd pulled the kid in for counseling -- again, people are scared -- but arresting him?

From the Chicago Tribune:

Cary Police Chief Ron Delelio said the charge was appropriate even though the essay was not published or posted for public viewing.

Disorderly conduct, which carries a penalty of 30 days in jail and a $1,500 fine, is filed for pranks such as pulling a fire alarm or dialing 911. But it can also apply when someone's writings can disturb an individual, Delelio said.

"It can also apply when someone's writings can disturb an individual".  That could apply to practically anything.  I find this whole article disturbing. 

Comments

[Brian F.]

Can't write about scrotums. Can't write about violence. Perhaps I'm better off sticking to safe topics in my writing.

Anybody wanna read my new magnum opus: Processed Cheese--A Novel?

[Tom]

Just about everything you write can disturb someone at some level. Imagine all the prisons full of novelists. I am reading "The Dante Club" by Matthew Pearl and some of the violence is pretty disturbing. Think I should call Chief Delelio and ask him to pick up Mr. Pearl?

This charge will never stick. I wouldn't be surprised if the kid sues for false arrest.

[Kelly Fineman]

Quentin Tarantino is so lucky he's not in school anymore, because I'm certain his screenplays are pretty frightening to read.