Adelaide Fringe busker attacked in Rundle Mall with his own ukulele
A Fringe performer has been hit on the head with his own ukulele in a shock attack in Rundle Mall, sparking dramatic scenes as bystanders rushed to restrain the alleged offender.
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Fringe performer Matt Eberhart - whose stage name is Banana Man - has been attacked with his own ukulele in front of shocked bystanders during a lunchtime performance in Rundle Mall.
Dressed as a pencil, Mr Eberhart was performing in the middle of the mall when a man, 29, of Clearview, allegedly grabbed his instrument and assaulted him.
The incident sparked dramatic scenes just after 12pm on Wednesday, as three members of the public jumped into action and restrained the alleged offender.
He was arrested by police and later charged with a raft of offences.
The Californian busker hit over his head with his own ukulele in Rundle Mall is in good spirits and says he’s not deterred from performing here at Fringe time #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/uho6XCFb7B
— Lauren Rose (@laurenrosevj) February 19, 2020
Video footage captured by a witness shows the alleged attacker being pinned to the ground before police officers take over the arrest.
Despite a short struggle, the man, in a black jumper and grey trackpants, is held down to the ground.
Mr Eberhart held a cloth to his head and told the crowd: “I’ll be in Adelaide in a month.
“If you see me again please give me some money so I can replace the ukulele”.
He later told 7 News he was a “lover, not a fighter”.
“It’s one thing to punch a guy,” he said. “It’s another thing to take his stuff and hit him with it. If you wanna fight me, fight me with your fist. Even then, I’m a lover not a fighter. I don’t like to fight.”
The 29-year-old Clearview man was charged with theft, property damage, assault causing harm, carrying an offensive weapon, unlawful possession and possessing a controlled drug and equipment.
He will appear in the Adelaide Magistrates Court on Thursday.
Police thanked members of the public for their assistance, saying anti-social behaviour or violence of any kind would not be tolerated.
Anyone who witnessed the incident who has not yet spoken to police is asked to contact Crime Stoppers 1800 000 333 or report on line at www.crimestopperssa.com.au