Drunken Tourist Flees Police and Dives Into Trevi Fountain in Rome

rome, italy - A tourist from New Zealand faces hefty fine and lifetime ban for swimming in iconic fountain.

Three Tourists Cause Trouble at Trevi Fountain

Three visitors from New Zealand were spotted near the fountain on Sunday evening and reportedly attempted to enter the water, according to CNN. Local police intervened as swimming in the famous fountain at the city center is strictly prohibited.

The suspects behaved disorderly, with a 30-year-old man trying to resist officers and eventually jumping into the fountain. A spokesperson mentioned alcohol involvement. The man not only faces a substantial fine but also a lifetime ban from the 1762 fountain, which underwent renovations last year. He was reported to have climbed over the marble sculptures surrounding the fountain.

Even sitting on the fountain's edge is forbidden, along with filling bottles with its water, having elaborate meals, picnics, or trying to collect the coins tossed by tourists, which amount to about one and a half million euros annually for charity. There is now a visitor limit enforced in the area.