San Antonio street artist Joshua "Lakey" Hinson can breathe a sigh of relief as charges against him for alleged vandalism were dismissed, bringing closure to a series of confrontations over his use of sidewalk chalk. Hinson, who had been detained and cited on multiple occasions for his chalk art, saw the recent charges dropped after prosecutors decided not to pursue the case, Fox San Antonio reported.
In February, Hinson experienced a legal and creative hindrance when VIA Transit Police arrested him for drawing near Centro Plaza, a space that seams, to the law's eyes, to be as much about commerce and control as it is about community and expression. Hinson's stance remained that his art was meant to enhance the city, not harm it, as he told San Antonio Express-News, "Creating in this spot should be a good thing. It’s not near as illegal as a lot of the things that are happening out here."
The dismissal of this case follows a previous legal tussle, where Hinson reached a $16,500 settlement with the city of Leon Valley, which included a formal apology for a similar wrongful detainment. Despite these obstacles, he has continued to create his sidewalk art, undeterred by the threat of further legal action. VIA, in a statement, clarified that their stops are cleaned on a regular schedule and any unsanctioned markings are subject to removal, with violators facing possible detainment or citations.
His resolve, exemplified in his continued work despite the February 6 incident which he described to San Antonio Express-News as "traumatizing." With legal challenges put to rest for now, Hinson remains at liberty to use his washable chalk as a means of expression and engagement in San Antonio.
