Thursday night, under cover police officers arrested a group of teens who were selling a dangerous chemical compound on the National Mall.
What was this dangerous compound? Di-hydrogen oxide, H20, or -- as it's known on the streets -- "bottled water."
It turns out the teens were in violation of a regulation from the Department of the Interior that requires a license to sell concessions in public parks like the National Mall. Of course, the photos, which were snapped by a tour guide, don't answer a few pertinent questions, such as whether these cops gave the kids a chance to leave peacefully before slapping them with handcuffs, or whether the teens voluntarily complied with whatever they were being told.
What is pretty clear, however, is that D.C.'s crime rate is 100 percent higher than the national average, and we're apparently devoting time and resources into busting local teenagers for selling water.
US News reported a spokesperson with the U.S. Park Police said the teens were held until their parents could pick them up, and were released without being charged.
Federal vending regulations aside, it's probably a good thing that these kids decided to try and make some money by selling waters to thirsty tourists instead of getting involved in dangerous crime, which exists in abundance in D.C. And, as one twitter user pointed out, the D.C. Park Police had just encouraged tourists to stay hydrated one day earlier.
I guess they just meant government-authorized hydration.
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