Jackass star charged after climbing a crane to save the whales

Los Angeles - Jackass star Steve-O will face five criminal charges after he climbed a crane in Hollywood to protest against SeaWorld and drew dozens of emergency responders to a construction site earlier this month.

The city of Los Angeles will also seek financial restitution for the cost of the police and fire response, said Frank Mateljan, spokesperson for the City Attorney's Office.

Steve-O, whose legal name is Stephen Glover, was charged on Monday with one count each of creating a false emergency, use of unregistered fireworks, storing fireworks without a permit, possession of fireworks without a permit, and trespassing, Mateljan said.

The charges stem from the 9 August incident and a subsequent search of Glover's house, he said.

Glover's representative didn't immediately respond to a request for comment.

The 41-year-old scrambled up a crane at least 100 feet high on Sunset Boulevard, inflating a large killer whale balloon emblazoned with "SeaWorld Sucks" and lighting fireworks when he reached the top, police said.

Glover, known for his outlandish stunts in the Jackass TV show and movies, later climbed down and was taken into custody.

Because the first responders were not sure whether he needed to be rescued, five ambulances, a helicopter and more than 80 firefighters went to the scene, Fire Department spokeswoman Margaret Stewart said the next day.

Prosecutors are working with police and fire department officials to determine how much restitution will be sought, Meteljan said on Tuesday.

Glover's arraignment was set for 31 August.