Help. You're underestimating the recording is completely right. >> Yep. >> But >> there is no butts. >> There is. >> No. >> State law now says 20 ft. >> You're interfering without duties. Go 20 ft. >> You don't smell alcohol coming from me? >> Yes, sir. I do. >> No, you don't. >> Yes, sir. >> No, sir, you don't. >> That's why I'm asking what you do. >> Sir, I'm done asking you questions. I'm not taking no roadside test. I'm not doing any of that. >> Most people believe police officers are trained to follow the law, respect constitutional rights, and you know, base their decisions on evidence. [music] But what happens when those principles seem to take a backseat to ego, assumptions, or personal opinions. [music] In today's video, you'll see ordinary encounters spiral into lengthy detentions, questionable investigations, and decisions [music] that left many people asking the same question. Were these officers searching for the truth or just searching for a [music] reason to justify their actions? Let's dive in. [music] >> What did I do? >> Give your other hand. We want to explain it to you. Let's go. I can't lift it. >> Help. Give me your other hand. >> A vacation is supposed to be a break from stress. Fred Tantelo, a 70-year-old tourist from New York, probably expected sunshine, relaxation, [music] and time with his wife. But instead, his Florida trip ended with him face down on the ground in handcuffs because deputies were looking for somebody else entirely. And the worst [music] part is that this wasn't some split-second mistake during a dangerous chase. According to the lawsuit, this entire situation started because officers went to the wrong address while searching for a different man. Help. [music] Shut your fing help. Your other hand. Help. [laughter] Help. >> Give us your other hand. >> What did I do? >> Give me the other hand. We want to explain it to you. Let's go. I can't lift him. >> Help. Give me the other hand. >> Deputies were reportedly trying to locate a man named Joel Salazar who had an active warrant connected to a probation violation stemming from a traffic related case. Yet somehow [music] the search led them to a vacation rental occupied by a retired tourist who was old enough to be many of the deputy's father. [music] Right away that raises a pretty obvious question. Just how much effort was put into confirming they actually had the right person before the handcuffs came out. >> Get your other hand out of there. >> I can't lift up. >> Yes, you can. >> Yes, you can. Yes, you can. >> Wait. There you go. >> There you go. >> See, you can do it. >> Help. Stay inside. Help. Help. Get inside. Get inside. You're okay. Help. Help. >> There we go. >> All right. Do you have one for your arrest? >> For what? Um here it >> stay inside. >> When deputies arrived at the condominium, Fred reportedly had no idea who was outside. [music] That's hardly surprising. He's a tourist staying in a rental unit, not somebody expecting a police visit in the middle of his vacation. In fact, according to the lawsuit, he was concerned enough about the situation that he called 911 himself. Think about how backwards that is. >> Do you want to make it a family reunion? I wear anything on you. >> Stay inside. >> I want you to let me out. >> Look, I have your husband's phone. >> Street. >> I didn't do anything. >> You have a warrant. Say what? >> Okay. Help. >> We're going to stand you up and we're going to take you out to the car. All right. [music] >> You got a sheriff's car out there? >> Yeah, we did. >> Yeah, we got multiple. >> Multiple. That's why we're sitting here. >> Hey, there's four. >> Tuck one of your legs underneath you. >> Yep. >> Tuck one leg underneath you. >> Where's your ID at? It's in. >> Ready? On three. One, two, three. All the way up. >> There you go. >> You got the wrong person. I did not. >> You know where your wallet is. >> Just give him my license. >> Deputies didn't spend much time carefully sorting out who they were dealing with before things escalated. Instead, they pulled Fred from the residence, forced him onto the ground, and placed [music] him in handcuffs. It's hard to imagine what was going through his mind at that moment. One minute you're enjoying a vacation with your wife and the next minute [music] you're lying on the ground wondering why armed deputies suddenly believe you're somebody you've never even heard of. I know the officers. Those officers are here. >> We're going to the elevator. We need to stop pulling away. >> Stop pulling away, >> sir. Looks close. >> What looks close. >> What's the name of you? >> What's the name? The name is always irrelevant. I'm >> Yes. Answer. >> Yes. Hang on. Hang on. Ken. >> 10. >> Can you come here? at our apartment 140 offic. >> Make this make easier for you, sir. Please. >> Please. >> That is not the same person. >> Give it a second, ma'am. >> Stop yelling at us. >> That's what I'm trying to do right here. You need to stop pushing against us. >> Fred was 70 years old. The suspect deputies were searching for was [music] not. Yet somehow those differences apparently weren't enough to stop the detention from happening. And you know, maybe this detention could have been resolved if they had stopped for just a second after Fred told them they had [music] the wrong person. I don't know why they seem to think they're incapable of making mistakes because this job clearly isn't for them. >> You got the wrong person against the wall. >> Let me guess. Let me talk to you. No, no, you're back. >> Okay. >> Let's try and talk to you. All right. >> Come on. >> Let me explain to you real quick. All right. So, through the door, right, [music] he specifically explained that we're here to talk to Mr. Salazar. >> I'm not Mr. Salazar. >> Did you say that at any point in time? >> Never. >> Okay. >> Okay. So, when you're telling us you're taking a shower, you you'll come out in a minute, right? >> Does that not appear that you are in fact Mr. Salazar? >> Someone said they're looking for someone and you say, "I'll be out in a second." >> Scams that are going on and I'm afraid. Okay. Mr. I was swear to God been arrested. I'm not saying that you are as of right now, right? >> But so I'm explaining to you the specific details of what occurred. >> Who said this? >> What do you mean? >> And I missed [music] your cell. >> We said we were here to talk to him. >> And then you said that you're taking a shower. >> I I was going to jump in. >> I thought you were trying to get you to open the door, >> right? And then you open the door, see that it's us, immediately close the door, put the latch on >> because I I I >> We're telling you to come out. >> Ma'am, stay right there. Please stay right there. [music] >> You You know Denise? >> No. >> So, by their logic, they randomly accused someone of being another person. And because he told them he was taking a shower and would be out in a minute, well, that was enough to make them even more suspicious. I swear some officers really make clowns of themselves every time they open their freaking mouths. But just wait until you see what happens when they finally compare the suspect's photo to Fred. >> All we wanted was a simple conversation. >> I'm sorry. I I >> And you literally slammed the door. >> I was scared because I know how people break in and and I hear about stuff. >> But could you not see us? I couldn't see through the thing though. I did not see your your uniform. I did not see. >> Okay. But then once you do step out and you see us, why you continue to resist? >> Because I I I was I know how many question I was. >> But in what scams do you see people in full uniforms? >> I I don't know. But Mr. >> I understand. I guess I was wrong. But I That's what happens when people are talking at the doors. That's why we were saying that we were trying trying to talk to you directly. that that's all that happened. [music] >> I apologize. >> No, I I understand. >> Just give me one second. >> Why was it suddenly considered resisting once they had already pulled him out of the apartment? [music] I mean, what do they mean why? An innocent man was on vacation with his [music] wife. Of course, he was confused and didn't expect to be attacked by this many officers without any explanation. Like, seriously, [music] what is wrong with these officers? Are they really trying to justify this now? Hey, just uncomfortable now. >> I'm comfy. You going to be cool? >> What we wanted was a simple conversation. Turn around. >> I didn't You want to search for my apartment? >> So, so here's the problem, right? We simply said we wanted to tell you can put your hands down. We're good. We simply wanted to have a conversation with you, right? But then when we try to have the conversation with you, literally you slam the door in our face and then let me finish. Let me finish. Then you come out. We're still trying to have a conversation with you and then you start resisting. >> We we we're just trying to dispel we're trying to dispel a situation. >> All we was asking you that be cooperative. You clearly heard us say, "Hey, let's have a conversation." You said you was taking a shot. >> These officers repeated so many times that they just wanted to have a conversation with him. As if saying it enough times would magically make it true. If [music] that was really the case, then why did they literally jump on him? Why didn't they just talk to him? Maybe their careers wouldn't be hanging by a thread if they had. >> I was just about my shower still. >> I even asked you how long >> and you kept ignoring us. >> I understand that. So that's what he was. >> So when you So when you're slamming the door, you're actively resisting. What impression you giving us? >> Totally understand it. I'm sorry. Do you know how are you yet? >> That's what we tried to confirm was everything that was going on. When you're doing all that wait >> to walk. >> Yeah, you go ahead. Right. Don't go back straight behind. She's going directly behind her. If we think about all of this a little more carefully, it's not just terrible, it's straight up unacceptable. These officers went so far [music] that they injured a man without even giving him a chance to say anything. But this was only the beginning of their attempts [music] to justify what happened. Unfortunately for them, there's nothing they can say that will make the situation they got themselves [music] into any better. >> I apologize. >> It's understandable. Obi-Wan was a simple conversation. >> I totally apologize. >> I just want you to see it >> for our safety and our point of view. >> You are right. >> Yeah. A little sore, but I'm all right. >> Look at your face. putting throw me on the ground. >> All we want was a simple conversation. We even asked you politely. >> Excuse me. Can I say one thing? He opened the door and you attacked him. You didn't give him a chance to answer anything. >> Yes, we did. So, let me correct you now. Let Let me correct. I let you speak right now. Let me speak. We asked him. We want him to come outside just to have a conversation. True or not true? >> Yeah. Wait, let me finish. Let me finish cuz I let you speak. Then we kept knocking multiple times. When you opened the door, you immediately slammed the door. So, what impression you're giving us from this point of view? >> I see guns pointed at me. I've never had >> No, no, there was no guns. >> There was I saw guns before before it it even escalated. There was no guns. You quickly opened the door and slammed the hell out of it. >> So, what are you trying What impression are we getting from this side? Okay, there's been stuff going on here. There's been sheriffs here. Okay, I hear about all the scams where people dress up as police officers and try to get you out into the hall. Okay, once deputies realized the error, the entire situation changed immediately. The handcuffs came off. Fred was helped back to his feet. Apologies were offered. Supervisors were notified. Suddenly, everyone understood that the dangerous suspect they thought they had located was actually just a tourist staying in a rental unit. The problem, however, is that apologies are easy after [music] the fact. It's much harder to explain why the verification process happened after the detention instead of before it. >> That's what I thought it was. >> I mean, when you do anything wrong, I bet the police are knocking at your door. So where I'm going with this is is that we asked politely. We gave multiple opportunities and then even then we still wanted to have a conversation with you and then what happened? You started actively resisting >> because I was afraid that you were just going to take me away and you weren't police officers. Okay. So, so imagine but sir I mean I've been quiet say we're not police officers. >> Hey they I've seen stuff on TV where they >> but this is real >> I I understand that now. >> Hold on. Hold on. [music] Like I said this lady and you were asked to come out and talk. Okay. Had you done that from step one, okay, we would be out here talking to you and we would say, "Hey, what's your name?" So and so already let me send your ID driver's license to us. Wait a minute. This isn't the guy that we were told. Okay. >> Nobody is arguing that the officers intentionally targeted Fred. Even the sheriff's office admitted it was a mistake. The issue is how many opportunities existed to catch that mistake before things escalated. Taking any note of that didn't happen. The physical descriptions allegedly didn't match. So, seriously, what exactly made these officers think Fred was their suspect? >> Thanks for your time. Have a great day. But like you were saying, >> we're currently us communicating with the subject with >> your actions made us believe that you got you got something to hide because the person that we've been looking for acts just like you did. >> Okay. Now, could I say something? >> Why didn't you ask me through the door? give me your phone number and we'll give you a call and I would have told you who I am and then I may and I did call the sheriff's department and I was trying to find out if you were legit but I I'm sorry 911. Okay, you know why we don't do stuff from the door? >> Cuz people lie nine times out of 10 they lie to the police. Okay, >> that's why we have to do those things. >> Look at this person. Okay. So, it's a learning lesson for everybody. >> Well, the guy, he's uh he's not the friendliest people. >> You understand? I mean, >> yeah. I'm just glad. I mean, I was I was pressured. I've never been arrested in my life. I've never been in >> But that's the thing, sir. >> And again, it's easy to say, but I'm not on that side. But I know myself. My boss calls me. Hear me out. said, "I need to have a talk." >> Of course, sooner or later, they had to bring up the argument that everything would have been fine [music] if the man hadn't been resisting. But resisting is a secondary offense, [music] and nobody can be convicted based on that alone. And it's certainly not true that someone has to comply with every order simply because it comes from a police officer. Officers don't have unlimited authority over people who haven't broken the law. Was that really so hard to accept here? >> If I didn't do anything wrong, there's nothing no reason for me to be afraid to talk to them. >> We're not even home. We're in a strange state. >> I understand. But this is still a United States. A lot of things have been going on in the United States of America. >> I get that. I get that. But at the same time, we were here. We asked. >> So you realize it's not him. >> So So this is the whole thing, right? So obviously there was a bit of a misunderstanding right from on both sides right although so where you guys from Rochester New York from New York. So you guys are from the US, right? So in the US, pretty much in every single state, if a law enforcement officer gives you an order, right? You have to comply. >> I don't understand, right? Sure. We understand there was a misunderstanding, right? So although there was resistance on your behalf based on the misunderstanding, we're not going to charge you. We're not doing any of that. What we're just going to do is say, "You have a great day. We're going to type up our half of the incident and say this is what happened and then that's going to be it. So you don't have to worry about anything else from here. We're going to get out of your guys' hair and then that's going to be the end." >> Great. Thanks. So we're going to document on there that isn't the right address so this other agency doesn't try to send anybody so it's not going to be like an >> ongoing >> all right so we apologize for the misunderstanding but this is unfortunately how some of this stuff goes sometimes >> in the aftermath Fred filed a lawsuit against the Ocola County Sheriff's Office while the agency admitted fault and suspended [music] two deputies for violating procedures officials say the incident is now being used as a training example to prevent and similar mistakes in the future. But for Fred, an apology came after he was already thrown to the ground and handcuffed for someone else's warrant. And unfortunately, this won't be the last time officers jump to conclusions before checking the facts. This next case proves that even a simple traffic stop can spiral out of control when an officer refuses to admit [music] they've done wrong. So, some cops pull up to a scene and focus on the actual problem. Others see a guy holding a camera and suddenly decide, well, that's the emergency here. JC News Now was standing in a shopping plaza recording a traffic stop involving a woman sleeping in her car. Of course, he had every [music] right to do that and to record anything he could see with his own eyes because remember, he's in public. But some officers didn't like that. [music] So, let's take a look at what exactly happened here. >> J4 see movement. At least you're going to videotape. The moment Officer Higgins walked up, he started throwing around this so-called 20-foot rule like it was the Constitution itself. Have you noticed how some officers love quoting laws they've barely read, but suddenly become allergic to the Constitution [music] they swore to uphold? JC wasn't touching anyone, threatening anyone, or interfering with anything. He was holding [music] a camera. Apparently, that's as terrifying as a weapon can be in Springfield. Hey sir. >> Yeah. >> Recorder. >> Oh, it's too bad. >> I understand the recording is completely right. >> Yep. >> But >> there is no butts. >> There is. >> No. St. Louis now it says 20 ft. >> You're interfering without duties. Go 20 ft. >> I'll I'll step back a little. I'm not giving you 20 ft. I got to be 20. >> I got to be close enough to see here. If you don't like that, get a supervisor. I need a supervisor on his body. >> Hey, I'm moving. You got to give me a chance to move. >> I gave you a chance. >> I move. >> I'm moving. >> Get a supervisor out here. What's your name and badge number? >> Get a supervisor. Then officer Higgins immediately put his hands on JC when he didn't back up fast enough. Did you catch that? Not because there was a threat. Not because somebody was in danger, simply because a citizen questioned an order. [music] Some officers hear disagreement and immediately translate it into disobedience. That's how you ended up creating problems that didn't exist 5 seconds earlier. >> I That's too bad, sir. You just put your hands on a citizen without cause, sir. I have to be there is no halo law. It got struck down by the Supreme Court. >> It got struck down before it got signed. >> No, it didn't. >> Yes, it did. >> I got to be close enough to hear and see. >> This is 20 ft, bud. >> This is my truck right here. >> Yeah, I want a supervisor. What's your badge number? You've >> been requested. What's your name? 2058. >> All right. Give me some room, Higgins. Nope. >> Yeah, you're in my space. >> That's fine. >> What? You want me You want to cover up something or something? I can't see, sir. You're >> That's okay. >> Yeah. No, it's not okay. You're violating the First Amendment, sir. >> No, I'm not. >> Yes, you are. >> No, I'm not. >> Yeah. The funniest part was watching Officer Higgins insist the Halo Law gave him authority while JC kept reminding him [music] courts had already torn similar laws apart elsewhere. Whether JC was right or wrong on every legal detail almost doesn't [music] matter. The point is that Higgins looked far more interested in winning an argument. And this was just the beginning. Okay. Excuse me. >> Oh, excuse me. >> Easy. >> There you go. Now we're learning. Training you punks. >> Congratulations, sir. >> Yeah. I'm >> glad you get a kick out of this. >> Yeah. Yeah. You're going to get paper, bud. >> That's fine. >> Yeah, it is fine. >> It is. >> Get off my truck. Don't touch my [ __ ] I own your truck. >> Yeah. Don't touch it. >> You real quick with the mouth. >> You're a [ __ ] tyrant. >> All right. Congratulations. >> Yeah. You're going to find out. >> Yep. >> You don't know who I am, do you? >> I don't care who you are. >> I know you will, though. >> No, I won't. >> You will. >> Nope. >> At this point, the traffic stop itself seemed completely forgotten. Remember the woman in the car? The reason officers were there in the first place? Yeah. Apparently, everyone else forgot about her, too. Officer Higgins had become so focused on the guy with the [music] camera that the entire encounter turned into a debate about recording police. What are you trying to hide? >> Her privacy. >> Her privacy. There's no privacy in public, sir. You don't understand that. >> There's no privacy in public. I'm not here for her anyway. I'm here to make sure you don't violate her. Look at the disdain this guy has. Do you know what the First Amendment is? I do. >> Do you? You know the five freedoms it protects. [music] >> That's kind of funny. You don't know >> the new Missouri State law. >> Yes. >> It says if you infringe on my duty. >> One of my favorite moments came when Higgins started talking about protecting the woman's privacy. Privacy [music] in public. During a police interaction, that's a bold legal theory. By that logic, every traffic stop in America [music] would have to be conducted behind a curtain. Public officials performing public duties in public places generally don't get to demand secrecy whenever a camera shows up. >> I can tell you get back 20 ft. >> Are you familiar with article 6, section two? It's a supremacy clause. >> Yes, it strikes your law down. Your law is repugnant. >> It does not. >> Yes, it does. You're violating your oath, sir. >> It's a state law. >> I know, but the constitution trumps law >> state law, sir. Sorry. >> Yes, it does. You're going to find out. You're wrong. >> I'm not wrong. >> You're wrong. >> I'm not wrong. >> What you got in here? Anything I need to know about JC started quizzing officer Higgins about the Constitution. And honestly, Higgins walked right into it. Some officers hate these conversations because they exposed something uncomfortable. A surprising number of people carrying [music] badges. No department policy better than constitutional law. Unfortunately for Higgins, [music] the First Amendment tends to outrank departmental preferences. 22 23. I already got it. >> It is business, sir. >> Yeah, it's what? >> So proud of you. >> Yeah, you're going to be youngster. >> Hey, thank you. Are you okay, daughter? Huh? I'm here for them to make sure they don't violate you. You are you okay? >> I'm not talking to you. [music] You okay? All right. That's why I'm here. Make sure that you're okay. Cuz these punks don't know the Constitution. They'll violate you quick. You didn't learn any of that, did you? Then officer Higgins delivered one of the strangest arguments of the entire encounter. He basically suggested that constitutional rights become privileges once someone puts on a uniform. That's a fascinating position [music] for a government employee to take. Imagine becoming a police officer and accidentally convincing yourself that the Constitution [music] applies less to you than everybody else. Somebody should have probably covered that [music] in the academy. >> 2147. Put your hands on me again without cause. >> I had cause. >> No, you didn't. >> Yes, I did. >> You didn't even have reasonable suspicion. >> You don't give me orders. You don't give me orders. They're not lawful. >> No, it's not a lawful order, sir. >> The Constitution says the First Amendment trumps your state law. >> Right. What? Did you discuss on duty? >> I did. >> You did? >> Yeah. >> You don't have to my right. >> You don't have a right, sir. >> No, you don't. Not while you got that uniform on. >> Oh, I still do. >> No, you don't. >> Yes, I do. >> Thank you. >> You have some You have privileges >> as a citizen. >> You have privileges. >> No, I have rights just like you. >> No, not while you're on duty. >> Yes, I do. >> There's certain things you can't say. >> Please tell me why that says that. >> Okay. You you have standards you have to adhere to, sir. >> The conversation kept spiraling because Higgins treated every criticism as a challenge to his authority. That's the trap some officers fall into. They stop hearing words and start hearing disrespect. Once that happens, every interaction becomes a power contest. [music] The problem is that constitutional rights don't disappear just because an officer's feelings got bruised. >> You have to remain professional. I am professional. >> No, you're not. You just said you just used the Lord's name in vain. on duty. >> Yeah, I can. >> Yeah. No, you can't. >> Whatever I want. >> No, you can't. Hey, can I get you can I get your name and badge? Can you identify him? >> Yeah, when he comes out. >> All right, good. >> Yep. >> Halo law. It's been stuck struck down in three states already. >> That's good. >> Yeah. [music] >> Still holds in Missouri. >> No, it don't. Constitution of rules. Interference is a physical act, sir. >> Sir, read the law. I've read them. I read them constantly. Do >> No, you don't. Read articles article six next chance you get. >> Article seven. >> Yeah. It doesn't matter to you, does it? >> Doesn't matter to you. >> Nope. Not one bit. >> Meanwhile, JC was standing there doing what he'd been doing the entire time. Recording. That's it. Just recording. Yet somehow, Officer Higgins acted like a guy holding a camera was creating more danger than whatever originally brought officers to the scene. I bet they didn't like people with cameras because, you know, it made it harder for [music] them to act like tyrants without being held accountable. What do you think? >> Y'all hear that? Constitution doesn't matter. But you swore a note to uphold it. >> And I am. >> But you don't care about it. >> No, I am. >> No, you're not. >> Yes, I am. >> No, you're not. What are you doing? This is >> keep keeping me from videoing. >> You're you can ask me anything you want, ma'am. >> Well, >> I I'm not going to put >> Okay, >> I can't hear you. >> Can I approach her? >> Nope. I can't hear you, ma'am. >> She said you're being a turd. >> Being a turd? Yep. >> I'm good at it. I'm real good at it. >> I'm actually here for your [music] protection, ma'am. But I I'm I'm you. >> Then the supervisor arrived and suddenly things become even more interesting. Instead of correcting the situation, he started defending it. That's always disappointing to see. Supervisors are supposed to be the adults in the room. Sometimes they show up and put out [music] the fire. Other times they grab a gas can and start explaining why the flames are actually department policy. >> Yeah. >> Thank you, ma'am. I appreciate that. >> That's called bootlicking. >> Nope. It's called respect. >> Respect is earned. >> No, >> youngster. No, it's earned. >> It's given when it's earned. >> Yeah, she's earned it. >> Mhm. We'll see. I got nothing else to do 5:30 in the morning. >> It's my job. >> Congratulations. >> If they try to get money, they really don't. >> You're awful presumptive. >> I am. >> You like to presume a lot, don't you? >> Nope. You don't presume >> facts. >> Facts. >> The supervisor got tired of arguing that verbal distraction alone could count as interference. So if criticism becomes interference, then every citizen's complaint magically turns into a crime. That's super convenient, [music] right? The first amendment would become pretty useless if government officials could silence criticism simply by calling it distracting. >> Said that. >> What's your source? You don't know what I make. >> [laughter] >> much. That's >> more than you. >> All right. >> I know what you make. >> You have no clue what I make. >> I will have I'll know by I'll know by the end of your shift. >> Congratulations. I'm so glad >> you're familiar with Sunshine. >> Yeah, I am. >> All right. Well, >> you won't know what I make. >> Yes, I will. >> I guarantee it. >> I can pull it up right now. >> Go ahead, >> man. You got an attitude. >> Nope, I don't. Yes, sir. >> All right. Can you give us 20 ft? >> Gone. You're dismissed. >> He's trying to push me away where I can't record. I'm not impeding their investigation. I'm not interfering. Interfering is [music] physical act. He's come up. He put his hands on me without cause. He didn't even have reasonable suspicion. >> If we look at this case realistically, it's pretty clear that these officers gathered there because JC was smarter than they were. That's why so many of them showed up. But sometimes more heads aren't better than one. And this case is a perfect example. [music] These officers showed such poor judgment that it was hard to believe. And unfortunately for [music] them, they'll soon have to accept the fact that they were completely outplayed. >> It wasn't a lawful order. The Constitution clearly trumps any state halo law. Three states have already struck down a halo law. I have a first amendment right. You are first. He's not. Will you please tell him not to put his hands on citizens unless he has reasonable suspicion that I'm about to commit a crime? Committing a crime or committed a crime. >> Interfering. >> I wasn't interfering. Filming is interfering. You're a clown. You get back to work. >> I'm making a formal complaint on this man. And can I get your badge number? >> Expect 2057. >> Thank you. Like I told you when I first got here, you were recording this female sleeping in her car. I told you you had 20 ft. You could record as long as you wanted just not to stand on the other side of her car. You told me you didn't have to. You then walked to my car, >> started videoing my computer. >> Yes. >> Just told me sensitive information. Okay. So, I shut it. I asked you to step away. The most pathetic attempt by the officers to come out on top was when they tried to blame JC, claiming that because of him and his recording, they couldn't properly complete their investigation and traffic stop with the woman. But is it really his fault that their focus [music] was in the wrong place? If they can't stay focused on the job they're doing, well, maybe it's time to find a different career [music] and do everyone a favor. >> That's why. >> Okay. And I was around on the other side of the car. I never impeded your investigation. >> The female told you she didn't want to be >> I don't care. It's It's >> Sir, we're in public. I have the right to do this. I know you may not. Shut up. >> Ain't got nothing for him. Uh I want to make a formal complaint. >> Okay. >> Okay. I'm telling you right now, he violated my first amendment right. >> He put his hands on me without cause. That's my complaint. >> Were you within range of where he could do that? >> He walked up on me. >> Okay. Were you interfering with their investigation on which is not a physical act? No. Obstruction is not physical. Obstruction is any sort of distraction from the investigation they're performing >> physically. >> Wrong. >> It's written is not physical. Is any act interfering with their investigation. >> Okay. I can say anything I want. >> Sure. >> As long as I don't physically interring them from performing their investigation. That is distraction. >> No, it's not. Their ADD is not my problem. >> Nobody was arrested. Nobody was charged. And the original traffic stop quietly faded into the background. What people remembered instead was Officer Higgins spending far more energy policing a cameraman than policing actual crime. And speaking [music] of bad officers, let's move on to the final case of today's video. [music] So, after standing on the roadside for roughly 40 minutes, [music] this rookie trooper suddenly decided he had solved the mystery. Apparently, the key piece of evidence wasn't the vehicle sitting in a ditch or the explanation that everyone had already given. It was a dead [music] deer. Seriously, the troopers started explaining that the deer looked decomposed and therefore something wasn't adding up. I'm not sure when highway patrol officers started moonlighting as wildlife forensic experts, [music] but that apparently is where this investigation was headed. >> Like that, the eyeballs are still going to be inside the deer unless you knock them out. That deer is decomposing. It's been sitting there for the side of the road, okay, for a while. I can tell that I'm an avid deer hunter, okay? So, I know what a fresh deer when when when it's recently been killed, what it looks like. Okay, so with that being said, I can smell the odor of alcohol coming from you. Okay, I know that y'all have been drinking tonight. I know. Okay. All I'm asking is for you to do some tests for me so I can determine whether or not you are impaired. If you are not impaired, if I do not feel [music] like you are impaired, then no. Easy day. [music] Okay. All right. So, are you willing to do some tests for me so that I can determine whether or not you were impaired or not? >> Are you done talking? >> Yes, sir. [music] I'm done. >> Okay. Who called you? >> Pacifier on a in a bus. >> Okay. EMS came here, correct? Then came the alcohol accusation, and the timing couldn't have been more convenient. After spending nearly an hour around these people after collecting documents after EMS had already come and gone, the trooper suddenly claimed [music] he could smell alcohol. That's a pretty incredible nose he's got, strong enough [music] to miss it for 40 minutes, then magically detected the moment the original crash investigation stopped going anywhere. Uh, I have no confirmation besides your word that EMS was out here. >> So, I called EMS. >> Mhm. >> Because we swerve to miss a pack of deer. >> Mhm. >> Whether that's the deer I hit or not. >> Mhm. >> Does not mean I did not hit a deer. >> Yes, sir. >> What was told to you was a pack of deer >> swerved in front of me, which is why I swerved and missed the deer. Correct. >> Okay. >> Correct. Okay. So you don't have the right to question me >> about anything because I was not pulled over on a traffic stop. >> No, sir. >> For swerving, for driving impaired. >> No, sir. >> Anything? >> No, sir. >> Correct. >> No, you were not on a traffic stop. >> And like I [music] told you previously, >> I don't answer questions and I don't have to answer questions. >> Okay. >> I told [music] you. You asked me where was I coming from. I didn't have to answer that question. I was on my way home >> from Florence. Yes, sir. >> Okay. The driver immediately recognized what was happening and started pushing back. Not because he was panicking, but because the entire conversation had taken a bizarre turn. One minute [music] they were discussing deer crossing the road. The next minute they were discussing sobriety tests. That's a pretty dramatic jump. [music] And the trooper never really explained what new evidence appeared during those 40 minutes that suddenly justified treating this like a DUI case instead of a deer accident. >> A pack of deer >> Mhm. ran in front of me, sir. >> Which is why we ended up in the ditch. >> Okay. >> Period. [clears throat] >> Okay. >> With that said, you have no probable cause [music] for any of the line of questioning that you're asking me right now? >> I do, sir. >> No, you do not. >> That No, you don't. You Now, okay. So, now you saying you smell alcohol after 40 minutes on the side of the road. We waited for 40 minutes. >> Yes, sir. And now you you don't smell alcohol coming from me. >> Yes, sir. I do. >> No, you don't. >> Yes, sir. >> No, sir, you don't. >> That's why I'm asking you. >> Sir, I'm done asking you questions. [music] >> I'm not taking no roadside test. I'm not doing any of that. >> I'm not doing anything. We're done talking. >> All right. Yes, sir. >> At this point, Ty, can you go ahead and turn around for him? >> No, you're not arresting me. >> Turn around. >> You're not You're not arrest. [music] Don't put your hands on me, Rodney. >> Turn around for him. >> Get your hands off me. What am I being arrested for? You going to No. What? What did he say? >> Driving too fast for conditions right now. >> That's not a riskable offense. That's a traffic [music] offense. >> I can arrest you for that. >> No, you No, you cannot. No, you cannot. Yes, sir. >> Oh, I want you to record this. Are you recording? You cannot You cannot arrest me for driving too fast for conditions. That is a traffic offense. [music] >> If you would let me finish. >> No, sir. I'm not going to let you finish because I know the law. Now, [music] hold on. Stop. I let you talk. I let you talk. have to use the driver. >> What made this even more awkward for the trooper [music] was that he wasn't dealing with someone unfamiliar with police procedures. The driver had spent 19 years in law enforcement [music] himself. In other words, this wasn't some random guy who would automatically assume everything [music] coming out of the badge was correct. Every explanation was being measured against nearly two decades of experience. And you [music] could tell the trooper wasn't enjoying having his reasoning dissected in real time. How can you determine get your No, hold up. Let me stop it. Let me stop right here. Call your supervisor. Call your supervisor. We don't need y'all chiming in. >> Call your supervisor. I'm starting the triple by itself. >> No, that's fine. Call your supervisor. [music] Don't Don't touch me. And don't put your hands on me. Call your supervisor. >> I'm going to get all of [music] this on the table. You're not touching me. Get your supervisor out here. You cannot arrest me for driving. That's a traffic offense. That's a misdemeanor with these [music] guys. Yeah. >> You cannot arrest me. >> I was I was a police officer. >> Call your supervisor. >> I was a police officer. Well, [music] and just off of traffic offense, they can't arrest you like that. >> Call your damn supervisor. >> How long you been for? [music] >> I was over 19 years ago. >> Mr. Kenny, I need you to stay over here with >> I'm right here, sir. I'm not going anywhere. >> I don't have any weapons on me. I'm not going anywhere. I don't have any weapons. You're not going to You're not going to arrest me. You're not going to put your hands on me. Call your supervisor and not in that. >> Don't talk to me right now. You getting loud and loud. >> Who are you? I'm not I'm not doing anything. >> You're allowed. >> Why are you talking to me? >> You're allowed. >> Are we in a public park? >> Yes. >> It's a house right here. >> Okay. >> I'm not going to say anything else. Just don't talk to me. Supervis. [music] >> I'm not going anywhere. >> The driver kept returning to the same simple fact. A pack of deer ran into the roadway. He swerved to avoid them and the vehicle ended up in [music] a ditch. That's a story that makes perfect sense in rural South Carolina where deer collisions happen constantly. Yet, the troopers seemed [music] determined to treat that explanation like it was part of some elaborate criminal conspiracy. Sometimes the simplest answer really is the correct one, no matter how badly an officer wants something more exciting. >> Your property, right? >> Call your supervisor. >> We're done talking. Listen, sit still. Just relax. Just sit. Stay home. >> Just relax. >> Don't talk to me, man. >> One's a Marine, always a Marine, right? >> Let's relax. >> Oliver service, man. Let's just relax real quick. >> Department of the Navy. United States Navy. All right, >> sir. [music] >> I've served, too. Okay, >> sir. >> All right. >> Can we just take five minutes? >> Chill with me. All right. >> Got you. >> I'm trying to keep this situation as low as it can be. Okay. I'm trying >> [music] >> It's going to be a little bit. So, with that being said, boss man, okay, all I'm doing [music] is asking you to do some tests for me to determine if you are impaired, [music] cuz I can smell alcohol coming from I can't. [music] >> Then the trooper started pushing for field sobriety tests and honestly, it felt less like an investigation and more like a sales pitch. He kept repeating that if the driver completed [music] the tests, everything could be resolved quickly. Then the problem is that the driver wasn't questioning the tests themselves. He was questioning why they were suddenly necessary after sitting there for almost an hour. >> I know that y'all, everybody in this vehicle tonight has been drinking enough. I know that. Okay. So, with that being said, boss man, [music] I'm telling you, just do some field sobriety tests for me. If I [music] determine that you are not impaired, there's no reason to go to jail tonight. >> Do some jumping jacks or whatever they're going to do. Touch your nose and then let's get out of here. >> There's no reason to go to jail tonight. >> That's just an FR10 form for you to turn into your insurance company and off you go. >> Did you call your supervisor? >> I did. He's on his way. >> Get out my face. >> [music] [music] >> proceed. I'm going be standing right here until Corporal Dicky is on his way right now. Okay. Corporal Dicky. >> No, sir. I'm not talking to any corporal. I want your supervisor. Call his supervisor. >> That's my supervisor. >> Well, call his supervisor. >> When he gets here, he will make that. >> Okay, that's fine. That's fine. And we'll be out here all night. I got all night. >> Yes, sir. >> Yes, sir. Corbig gets out here, he'll make that. >> You do that. >> He's not coming from um Kansas either. >> At this point, the driver demanded a supervisor. And honestly, that was probably the smartest thing said all night. When an investigation starts drifting this far from its original purpose, [music] bringing in another set of eyes is usually a good idea. The trooper, however, seemed determined to keep arguing. The longer an officer spends defending a shaky decision, the harder it becomes for them to admit they might [music] have taken a wrong turn somewhere along the way. >> Christian. >> Yeah. Right there around the area. >> Probably 101 exit or something. 76 [music] [music] and I want you to turn your body cam on. That's >> it's already on, sir. >> You're a public servant. Turn your body cam off. >> So, just so you know. Okay. So, South Carolina State Troopers, we don't wear body cameras. We wear body. You're >> not a state trooper. >> Yes. All right. >> Okay. Well, that's fine. >> That's all right. That's fine. >> So, with that being said, Okay. >> But you don't but you required to record. [music] You got a man over here. >> What are you, sir? >> I work for the sheriff's office. >> Okay. Do you have a body cam? >> Well, you you talking to him. >> I'm I'm talking to you right now. You're a public servant. So, you have to answer my questions >> right now. You going to lower your toe? That's [music] what you're going to do. >> You are you a public servant? >> Going to lower your >> Are you a public servant? I ask [music] you a question. >> I'm asking you a question. >> This is my investigation. Okay. >> It's It's everybody's investigation. >> Okay. So, if you as the lead investigator, >> this is my >> Do you have a body cam on, sir? >> My dash cam is on. >> Okay. So, I'm requesting that [music] you turn your body your dash cam on. Okay. So, I'm requesting that he turns his body cam off. >> The most revealing moment came when the trooper explained why he had requested backup. According to him, he could tell from the driver's demeanor that he was going to become agitated. That's fascinating because the driver had already provided his license, registration, [music] insurance, and cooperated throughout the entire crash investigation. And now we've reached the stage where officers can predict future emotions before they even happen. >> Everybody out here, I'm requesting that all of this situation be recorded. Okay. Cuz you've been out here for an hour already. >> Mhm. >> Okay. >> Mhm. >> Now you talking about the dead deer. >> Yeah. It's been there for a while. >> Okay. Now, the [music] first thing that you said >> Mhm. >> when you came up was what about the deer on this road? >> Yeah. 30. >> Oh, yeah. The deer are horrible. >> Okay. Thank you. >> The deer are horrible. >> Enough said, [music] sir. They're horrible when everything and what did I tell you? >> We got to say something. [laughter] That's luck right there. I ain't going to lie. I ain't going to lie. >> The fact that this car right here landed on a decomposed deer. I was like, >> "Okay, it's real bad." >> But like I said, man, when when you go up there and you look at that deer, man, you can't nobody can deny that that right. the eyeballs already eaten out. >> And all I said to you was it was a pack of I don't know. I can't see him. >> I I just smelt [music] him. >> So I know I I could have knocked his switch out. >> Mhm. >> But I told you [music] it was a pack of I didn't say eight deer. I said I swerved to Mr. Ker. >> No, no, no, no, no. I'm talking. Don't interrupt me when I'm talking. >> That's where the conversation come from. >> If you would let me talk, >> I can't talk. >> If [music] you would let me talk, >> you won't let me talk. Just slow down. you would let me talk. I've been doing >> Let me talk. >> I've been letting you talk quite a bit. Okay. All right. >> At this point, the officer was just repeating the same things over and over like a broken record. But these people weren't stupid. [music] They saw exactly what was happening. And we're grateful they were brave enough to keep recording until the end and show us what a conversation looks like with officers who think they're above the law. And somehow this trooper still seemed determined to waste everyone's time. So, if you would let me talk, okay, let me talk. >> In your face, >> I can probably answer some of your questions. Okay, I'm not denying the fact that some deer may or may not have ran out in front of you. I was not here at that point in time. Okay. The three people inside your vehicle, yes, they said there was dude. Okay. Yourself and your two passengers. No, I take that back. Your two your front seat pastor said you ran out. Okay. Backseat passenger. You were asleep the whole time. All right. You're passed out. All right. So, [music] I'm not denying the fact that some deer ran out in front of you. Okay. I'm not denying that. >> Watch out, B. >> What I have an issue with >> What I have an issue with right now [music] is that I smell alcohol coming from. >> Okay. [music] >> That is my issue an hour ago. So the reason why >> if you said that you know you're lying and >> let me explain and I'm done talking to you sir >> just hear just hear >> I don't want to hear him >> okay but you may need it you may need to hear him >> no I don't need it >> so the reason why >> ages >> the reason why >> I just stop talking >> I waited to approach you about it sir >> was a simple fact that when I was getting [music] information from you >> at this point the trooper tried to explain why he waited so long to bring up alcohol and honestly the explanation somehow created even more questions. According to him, he delayed the conversation because he was busy collecting information. That's interesting because collecting a driver's license and insurance card doesn't normally require an hour-ong warm-up period [music] before mentioning what you supposedly consider the most important part of the investigation. >> Okay. >> You get it from me. >> Oh, I got your driver's license registration. So, yes. Yes. When I requested an hour ago, >> when I requested it. Okay. When I requested it. >> Okay. >> [music] >> talking. >> You got a little agitated with me. No, >> I got agitated with you because I know you started questioning me like a criminal, which is what you do. You You questioned me like I was a criminal. That's what you did. You came back questioning me after I told you what happened. You came back and questioned me after I gave you my information. >> Call your Call your supervisor. >> And when he gets here, tell [music] him to call his supervisor. We've done talk. We don't have nothing else to talk about, sir. I don't answer questions and I don't have to answer questions. >> Listen to me. >> Listen to me. I don't answer questions and I don't have to ask questions. >> So this is the reason >> I don't want to don't talk to me. >> Mr. >> I'm done talking. >> Mr. Can [music] lower your voice out here now. >> I am talking. >> This is the reason why I request this is why I requested the Lee County Sheriff's Deputy to come out and tune in 1025 with me. So that [music] in this type of situation, right, >> I'm just gonna keep following you around. Just let you know, man. >> Can you just chill for me? >> I don't want to talk to you, man. >> Okay, just chill. Don't Okay, don't say anything. Don't say anything. Just sit right there. Don't say anything. Don't say anything. It's just about And we'll >> I can tell you [music] were getting agitated >> from the moment we got here. >> The driver finally reached the point where he was completely done with the conversation, just like us. Yeah. Every answer from the trooper seemed to lead to another question, another [music] accusation, or another theory. So, he did what a lot of people would do in that situation and kept [music] demanding a supervisor. The trooper, meanwhile, kept insisting that the driver's attitude was becoming a problem. [music] Of course, everything was a problem but him. >> I got here asked for your your license, registration, insurance, all that kind of stuff. I could tell that you were getting a little agitated with it. Okay. So that's why I requested Lee County Deputy come out here just to assist me with. Okay. [music] That way it just went for officer safety cuz I knew that when I approached you just just from your body language and your demeanor, okay, that you were going to be a little agitated with. So for my safety and your safety, that's why I requested the Lee County deputy to come out here. >> You still record me? This this officer this officer this officer just said that he could tell I was going to be agitated [music] from this stop. Now, he did not have a conversation with me. He came to my window when I got out of my vehicle and requested my driver's license, >> proof of insurance, [music] >> and I gave him all of this information after EMS left here an hour ago. And this man said [music] he could tell I was going to be agitated. I gave him all of my information. So, how in the world could he tell I could be agitated and requested [music] a Lee County officer? >> That didn't make sense, does it? >> The driver immediately called it what he believed it was, profiling. [music] And honestly, it's not hard to see why. The trooper was describing conclusions he supposedly reached before there was much interaction to base them on. That's a dangerous habit because once an officer decides what kind [music] of person they're dealing with, every normal action starts getting filtered through that assumption. But wait, it was still really far from the end here. >> It doesn't make sense to me and it doesn't make sense to you. Classic profiling. You know, he could How can you tell I'mma be agitated by being cooperative with you after an accident with deer? Now he said, "Well, the deer in the ditch is decomposed." The deer was under my right front tire, exactly where I hit. So, I want you guys to explain that to me. And now we out here in the middle of nowhere [music] and they telling me I'm disturbing the peace. I'm being loud. And we out here in the middle of the woods. >> [music] >> He can smell alcohol after an hour. Picture that. [music] The people who clearly needed help were still arguing with the officers. Nobody seemed relieved that they hadn't been seriously hurt when they went into the ditch. [music] Do these officers really care only about whatever they've already decided in their heads and absolutely nothing else? Because that's exactly what it looks like here. I'm going to p post this video Facebook live tomorrow about the profiling going on in South Carolina. Now this this road 76 going from um Pimmensville to something is classic [music] for deer. Now my car is in the ditch and a deer is under my car under my tire and I'm in the ditch and he telling me he smell alcohol after I've been on the side of the road for an hour and 20 minutes. You don't have to answer questions. It's [music] not the law. And then he attempted to arrest me on the side [music] of the road because I said I wasn't going to come and submit to sobriety test [music] after I've been pulled over for an hour and 20 minutes about getting hit hitting a deer. [music] Picture that. So, we waiting on the supervisor right now. [music] >> Go ahead, sir. [music] >> Here they come. Hold it. See that? See him? [music] It looked like something. >> Then things somehow got even stranger. Another officer arrived and began focusing on the driver's language rather than the actual dispute. Suddenly, the issue wasn't the deer. It wasn't alcohol. It wasn't the accident, it was cursing. Out on a dark rural roadside in the middle of nowhere, after nearly an hour and a half of arguing, officers were now debating whether somebody was being too loud. Really? >> He said it come from Kershaw County. >> Kershaw on the other side of town. >> We know what it is, man. I'm worried about that. >> You know what happened. >> I'm just glad we ain't hitting no deer here. >> I'm glad I'm alive. >> For real. >> But what you're not going to do is is try to do what he trying to do. >> [ __ ] Turn around and put my man. That's you know you know what that was just now a lawsuit. It's still a lawsuit and I'll be damned if I don't sue him. >> Hey, stop cussing in public, >> man. You know what? Leave me alone, man. Stop cussing. >> You ain't public. >> I'm not talking to you. I'm not in public. I'm on the side of the damn road in the woods. >> Cuss [music] again. >> Okay. Freedom of speech, >> man. For real. For >> real, dog. >> I got a house right here. >> They can't hear nothing. What we talking about right now? >> How you know what a [ __ ] is? >> Because I'm standing right here. [music] >> You know what? Cuz I'm standing right here and Cuz I'm standing right here. If they were disturbed, then they would have been outside. >> Cuz somebody already called me from down here about this. >> The trooper just said he called you to back up, man. Come on, man. >> I'm not going to argue with you. >> No, we're not going to argue. >> Just keep filming, man. >> You know, >> that's what you do. >> These situations. That's important. [music] For nearly 2 hours, the stop had been heading toward a DUI investigation. Yet, once supervisors arrived and Cooler Head started taking [music] over, the urgency seemed to disappear almost instantly. And that raises a pretty obvious question. If the situation was truly as serious as the trooper claimed, why did it suddenly stop being serious [music] the moment more experienced eyes showed up? If you thought today's cases were frustrating, wait until you see what's coming next. We've found even more unbelievable encounters where officers pushed the limits of common sense and accountability. Trust us, the next [music] video features cases that make today's stories look mild by comparison. Which of these incidents shocked you the most? Let us know in the comments and we'll see you in the next