Charges dropped against 13-year-old arrested at Hamlin Starbucks

Charges have been dropped against the 13-year-old People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals supporter that was arrested Friday, March 8, at the Starbucks in Hamlin. 

The young boy, who the Orange Observer is choosing not to identify because he is a minor, was arrested after he allegedly battered a deputy during a protest, according to the Orange County Sheriff's Office. 

A video from PETA officials shows the boy appearing to throw an unknown liquid at an officer before being pushed up against a table, handcuffed and taken into custody.

Deputies said the incident took place at around 1 p.m. at the coffee shop located at 16065 New Independence Parkway, Winter Garden.

The arrests took place during a protest inside the store involving about 15 people over what PETA said was the 70-cent upcharge for ordering vegan milk substitutes. 

“Starbucks’ hypocrisy apparently knows no bounds, from charging more for vegan milks that it admits are better for the environment to having a child arrested for asking it to reconsider,” PETA Executive Vice President Tracy Reiman said. “PETA applauds (the young boy) for standing up for calves and the loving mothers they are torn from by the dairy industry and urges everyone to take inspiration from this passionate young activist by ditching dairy.”

Posts from those who observed the incident on social media said protesters were handing out pamphlets and chanting inside the store.

Officers said Starbucks management wanted the protesters to be trespassed after refusing to leave the store, and they wanted to press charges. The arrests took place while deputies said they were attempting to "peacefully remove" the protestors.

The OCSO reported the boy's mother, Shannon Blair, and her boyfriend, Wesley Hucker, also refused to leave. Hucker committed a trespass after warning and was arrested before being transported to the Orange County Jail.