ABILENE MAN ARRESTED FOR SMOKING A CIGARETTE
Just ask Brian Wayne Hendrix, who was arrested and jailed on an
outstanding warrant for smoking in public. Hendrix, 44, said he
was "flabbergasted" by the arrest, which came after an officer
pulled him over Tuesday morning on a traffic stop.
"I never thought I'd be going to jail for smoking a cigarette,
but I'd do it again," said Hendrix, who was released from the
Taylor County Jail after posting $150 bond Tuesday afternoon.
The city's smoking ban that went into effect Jan. 3 prohibits
smoking in most public places and businesses. . . .
Teresa Borcik, Municipal Court administrator, said Hendrix was
cited for smoking in a public place -- a bar -- on Feb. 24 and
had 10 days to appear in court to contest the charge or to pay
the $150 ticket. When he didn't show up, an arrest warrant was
issued March 6, she said.
Hendrix said he has been smoking since he was a teenager.
