Michael Jackson Pulled Over While Wearing Mask

GLENWOOD SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — Michael Jackson was pulled over by police and asked to identify himself after shopping at a Wal-Mart while wearing a ski mask.

An employee called police Tuesday, police Lt. Bill Kimminau said. The employee gave a description of the vehicle and Jackson was stopped a short time later. Authorities asked Jackson to identify himself, which he did by removing his mask.

“There were no problems, and that was it,” Kimminau said.

Jackson spokeswoman Raymone Bain said the incident was a trifle.

“The police car pulled to the side and just asked that he show his face, and he did, and that was it,” Bain said. “There was no altercation or any kind of encounter.”

The singer is known to wear disguises when in public.

Jackson is staying at a 56-acre ranch in Old Snowmass while vacationing with his children. He has been keeping a relatively low profile, but has been spotted at several shops in nearby Aspen.

He is facing child molestation charges in California.

His visit was announced in a press release Bain issued Feb. 20 to address rumors the 45-year-old singer had checked himself into a drug rehabilitation facility.

“Michael’s children indicated to him a few days ago that they’d like to see and play in the snow,” Bain said. “Mr. Jackson was enjoying his getaway until … someone deliberately and viciously began reaching out to media organizations with this claim.”

Bain also released a statement from Jackson that said: “I am appalled. Let me state for the record that I have not checked myself into any rehabilitation center in Aspen, Colorado; I am here for a few days with my children. I am outraged by these constant rumors.”

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