Barrel ‘monster’ gets N.C. student arrested
Police call it vandalism, but supporters say it’s creative street art
RALEIGH, N.C. – When Joseph Carnevale chopped up three stolen orange and white traffic barrels from a construction site to create a massive sculpture of a roadside monster thumbing a ride, the North Carolina college student said he saw it as a form of street art.
Raleigh, N.C., police just saw vandalism.
They dismantled the 10-foot “barrel monster” and arrested Carnevale. Hundreds of online supporters want the charges dropped and the publicity has turned the history major and part-time construction worker into a local celebrity.
At least three Facebook support groups have formed to support Carnevale, including “Don’t Charge Joseph Carnevale,” boasting more than 800 members.
Raleigh police spokeswoman Laura Hourigan said the charges won’t be dropped, despite the company’s stance.