Sacramento police officials say they are willing to wait out a local protester occupying a magnolia tree in Cesar Chavez Park.
The man, who identified himself as Joe Carter on Wednesday evening, remained in the tree as of 3:30 p.m. today.
"I'm going to occupy this tree," Carter told The Bee from his perch 20 feet up.
As Occupy protesters prepared to begin their "First Amendment Party" Wednesday night in the park, onlookers urged Carter to secure himself with a safety rope. At the time, Carter -- who had a black backpack with him -- said he would likely stay up all night, unless he found a safe way to sleep.
Twenty-three people were arrested as a result of Wednesday night's curfew violation.
By this morning, Carter appeared to be tied to the tree with thin white rope.
Police have placed barricades around the tree to keep Carter from getting additional supplies.
Police spokesman Sgt. Andrew Pettit said safety was their priority.
"We are going to wait him out for now. As soon as he comes down, he is going to be arrested," Pettit said.
Pettit said Carter would face charges for violating the park's 11 p.m. weeknight curfew and for failure to comply with a police order.









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