Disneyland Arrest: 26-Year-Old Detained for Public Indecency at ‘It’s A Small World’ Ride

• Location: Disneyland, California.
• Time of Incident: The incident took place on Sunday, November 26, 2023, at around 1:30 p.m.
• Suspect: A 26-year-old man, identity undisclosed.
• Charges: Indecent exposure and being under the influence of a controlled substance.

A 26-year-old man caused a significant disturbance at Disneyland, California, leading to his arrest for indecent exposure and being under the influence of a controlled substance. On Sunday, he stripped naked and roamed the “It’s a Small World” attraction, drawing the attention of many park guests. Videos shared on social media show him in various states of undress, at one point wearing only glasses and underwear, and later completely naked. His actions included taking a dip in the attraction’s water, escalating the shock of onlookers.

The incident, resulted in the temporary shutdown of the ride, affecting both guests and park operations. Anaheim Police responded to the scene, arresting the man and later transporting him to the hospital as a precaution.

Charges and Penal Codes

Indecent Exposure (California Penal Code 314)

• Definition: California Penal Code Section 314 defines indecent exposure as deliberately and obscenely exposing one’s genitals in a public place or where others present may be disturbed or upset by the act.
• Application: In the context of the Disneyland incident, the suspect’s actions of stripping naked in a family-oriented theme park clearly align with this definition. The location’s public nature and the presence of individuals, including families and children, who might be disturbed or upset by such exposure, categorize this as a clear case of indecent exposure under California law.
• Potential Penalties: Authorities in California typically charge indecent exposure as a misdemeanor. The penalties for a misdemeanor conviction can include imprisonment in county jail for up to six months and a fine of up to $1,000. The law further specifies that indecent exposure can escalate to a felony if the individual has a prior conviction for the same offense or if the act occurs following unauthorized entry into an inhabited dwelling. A felony conviction for indecent exposure can lead to more severe penalties, including state prison time.

Under the Influence of a Controlled Substance (California Health and Safety Code 11550)

• Definition: This law defines the offense of being under the influence of a controlled substance in a public place. The law specifically targets individuals found in public settings under the influence of drugs, including narcotics and other controlled substances.
• Application: In the Disneyland incident, if the suspect’s behavior, as reported by the police, indicated impairment due to a controlled substance, this would fall within the scope of Health and Safety Code 11550. The suspect’s actions in a public and family-oriented setting like Disneyland, while allegedly under the influence, would be a clear application of this law.
• Potential Penalties: In California, authorities typically treat a violation of Health and Safety Code 11550 as a misdemeanor. The penalties for such a misdemeanor can include up to one year in county jail and a possible fine. Additionally, the court may order the individual to undergo drug counseling or rehabilitation programs. These penalties aim not only to punish but also to provide an opportunity for rehabilitation and recovery from substance abuse.

Impact on Public and Disneyland

• The incident disrupted the “It’s a Small World” attraction, leading to its temporary closure. This disruption affected both Disneyland’s operations and its visitors. The presence of a streaker in a family-oriented environment like Disneyland could have been particularly distressing for children and other guests.
• The response of Disneyland staff was pivotal in managing the incident and safeguarding guest safety. Their actions helped contain the situation and minimize potential harm to visitors.

The Disneyland streaking case highlights the legal implications of public behavior influenced by substances under California law. It’s crucial for individuals facing similar charges to seek an experienced criminal defense attorney to navigate the legal system. At The Law Offices Of Arash Hashemi, we specialize in defending against criminal charges, including public indecency and substance-related offenses. Located in Westside Towers in Los Angeles, we offer flexible scheduling, including consultations for incarcerated individuals. Contact us at (310) 448-1529 or schedule a consultation for expert legal assistance.