Methuen ice cream truck driver fined for loud music

METHUEN, Mass. -- Police in Methuen are fining an ice cream truck driver for his music. They say it's simply too loud and that they've gotten several complaints from residents.

When you hear the music you know Gilbert Harb the ice cream man is coming, and Methuen police say that’s the problem.

“It’s heard a quarter of a mile before the person gets there, while he’s in his neighborhood, while he’s stopped in the neighborhood and until he leaves the neighborhood,” said Capt. Randy Hagger of the Methuen Police Department.

Police say Gilbert’s music has been annoying residents. They say when he pulled up to the Methuen High School graduation last month that was the last straw.

Gilbert was then given a $100 citation.

“This is how I do my living,” said Gilbert Harb. “My living is the ice cream truck…to put the music on so people, kids, families know that it is the ice cream passing by.”

But Gilbert has not paid his $100 ticket - he says he’s going to fight it.

“I’m going to go to court, speak with the judge and see what he has to say,” said Harb. “I don’t think it’s right.”

Methuen residents say they’re quite aware of Gilbert’s ice cream truck.

“It’s probably a little loud and I’m sure it would bother some people, but it doesn’t bother me because I have central air and I don’t have to listen to all the noise,” said a Methuen resident.

“It’s a very nice sound,” said Amy Flynn.

Gilbert says the ice cream truck music is as American as apple pie.

Gilbert Harb is in the process of trying to get a court date. He says he hopes he gets a judge who likes ice cream.

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