Dan Edge says he's not much of a fighter, but something about Greenville's teen curfew lit a fuse. "I think the city needs a wake up call," he says. "It's a violation of First Amendment rights." The 30 year old found himself in the spotlight when he protested the new rules last month. Edge says he planned a peaceful gathering, and some teens joined his cause. Police showed up, and things got ugly. "The officer said you can either sit down and shut up or I'll put you in handcuffs and throw you in a squad car right now."
Edge was arrested and charged with two counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor. After spending 17 hours in jail, he says the fight is just beginning. He's suing the city for what he claims was a violation of freedom of speech. Edge also claims the suit will prove the curfew is against the law, by not allowing teens to protest peacefully. "I think the city needs to learn that they can't casually pass laws without doing the research to make sure they are lawful."
But city leaders tell Newschannel 7 they have done their home work. Greenville city manager, Jim Bourey, says the curfew is completely legal. That's why leaders are pushing to make it permanent. As for Edge, he's not backing down. "I need to take steps to safeguard my reputation."
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