Sidewalk Preacher Arrested on Disorderly Conduct Charge in Royal Oak

A familiar sidewalk preacher faces charges for how he delivers his message. 

Royal Oak Police confirm a preacher was arrested last Friday near Fourth and Main streets and faces charges of disordely conduct and disturbing the peace.

Brian Lane, co-owner of Bingo Pet Salon on Fourth Street, said the young preacher uses a step stool and a microphone to protest against homesexuality.

"He specifically targets people walking down the street and tries to provoke them," Lane said. "One time I was walking with my friend's son and he shouted, 'Do you want that child to go to hell?'"

Preachers and demonstrators are often a part of the sidewalk mix in downtown Royal Oak, according Lt. Dave Clemens of the Royal Oak Police.

"It is legal for someone to try to strike up a conversation on the sidewalk," Clemens said.

But one cannot block the sidewalk, create unreasonable noise or taunt others and create a situation that could lead to a fight, Clemens said.