Yes, we have no bananas ... we have assault rifles today!

Police in Beaumont, Texas, cited an 18-year old man for soliciting alongside a roadway. Law  enforcement officials had responded to complaints from people concerned about the man, who was standing at an intersection dressed as a banana and carrying an assault rifle on his back. A local tactical and security store had hired — and armed — the man.

Background: Derek Poe, owner of Golden Triangle Tactical, told reporters Saturday that it was part of the store's grand opening after moving locations from Parkdale Mall.

Poe said the man in the banana suit was holding an AK-47 across his back with the barrel pointing down and holding a sign with an arrow pointing toward the store. He said this idea was to attract customers to the store.

A Beaumont police spokesperson said officers temporarily detained the 18-year-old and found he had the rifle with a drum magazine attached with at least a 50-round capacity. The spokesperson said the teen was cited for violating a city ordinance that prohibits soliciting in and alongside roadways.
Sgt. Rob Flores said police also gathered the necessary information on the weapon and completed paperwork for consultation with the Jefferson County District Attorney's Office concerning possible future criminal charges related to his display of the firearm.

In December, Poe was stopped by police inside Parkdale Mall for carrying an assault rifle along his back. He was on his way to his store which was inside Parkdale Mall at the time.

His gun was seized and he was later charged with disorderly conduct after police say witnesses claimed they were scared for their lives.

Poe claims he was exercising his second amendment right to open carry.

Parkdale Mall then placed signs along each parking lot entrance reminding customers of its policy on guns which states concealed handguns are prohibited.

Poe then moved his business from Parkdale Mall to another location on Eastex Freeway.