(Above) “Bucket Boys,” not related to this story, perform with drumsticks and buckets in downtown Chicago. Photo by Peter Bella.

January 2, 2015 – Implying he had a gun – and would use it – got a panhandler in River North arrested last month and charged with aggravated assault.

The victim says the panhandler was begging for money on behalf of the “Bucket Boys,” a group of street musicians who perform with drumsticks and five-gallon buckets.

The man told Chicago Police he was walking near the corner of North Dearborn Street and West Hubbard Street on December 6 at about 2:30 a.m. when the panhandler asked for money. When he was refused, the panhandler said, “I will shoot you,” and grabbed his waistband, implying he had a gun.

The victim walked away and flagged down police officers, who found the suspect one block away near Hubbard & State Streets. He was taken into custody and searched but no gun was found. He has a court appearance scheduled for February 13.