FARGO (AP) - A college student who performs a juggling act downtown is challenging the city's panhandling ordinance.

Ashraf Kamel, 18, performed Monday in front of the police station, despite earlier warnings from officers.

Kamel calls himself a contact juggler and rolls clear, acrylic balls around his hands and arms. The philosophy major at Concordia College in Moorhead, Minn., said he taught himself the juggling technique from a Web site, and recently felt confident enough to put out a hat to accept tips.

"If people feel like it deserves that, then sure, why not?" he said.

On Friday night, he made $88 after performing for three hours.

Police say Kamel may be violating the city's panhandling ordinance by putting out his hat to accept tips, which could be considered a form of solicitation. Kamel said he never asked for money or posted a sign soliciting tips.

The penalty for violating the panhandling ordinance is a $100 fine.

After his performance in front of the police station Monday, officers said they would forward a report to the city prosecutor for consideration of charges.

City prosecutor Renata Selzer declined to comment, saying she started in her job less than two months ago and is still training.

Attorney Dan Phillips, who assists the city prosecutor, said he and others would have to review the facts of the case.

Kamel said police have told him the panhandling ordinance, which only applies to downtown and Fargo's Island Park, is part of an effort to revitalize downtown. He believes allowing street performers would enhance the area.

"People always seem to be really excited about the fact that I'm doing this in Fargo," Kamel said.

Fargo Theatre Executive Director Margie Bailly said downtown business owners who pushed for a stricter panhandling ordinance wanted to create a safe environment and encourage more nightlife.

"We were specifically addressing behavior where someone would stand on the street and ask for money," Bailly said. She would like to see a downtown area designated to allow street performances, she said.

Commissioner Linda Coates said the City Commission will take a look at what other cities have done, and get comments from business owners.