Hey. >> Good boy. >> Why are you guys doing this to me, man? What's wrong with Why are you all doing me like this, bro? Why? I didn't do anything, bro. >> I have not taken owner [music] Okay, you guys need to get your lieutenant out here. I want a lieutenant out here now. >> There is a current rabies vaccination on a dog named Angel under his name. >> Well, we have to document that we came out and we have to document who we talked to and that is why we need your name. >> I can not. >> And that is all. >> Most encounters with police are supposed to be simple. You answer a few questions, sort out the situation, and move on with your day. But, what happens when officers decide that cooperation isn't enough and start demanding more authority than they actually have? >> [music] >> In today's cases, you'll see routine interactions spiral into confrontations, questionable decisions, and force that many people believe never should have happened. Let's dive in. >> STOP RESISTING. >> STOP IT. YOU'RE HURTING MY ARM. >> OW. >> STOP RESISTING. >> NO. >> GET DOWN. GET DOWN. GET >> NO. >> Get the [ __ ] down. >> For most people, standing on a street corner holding a sign isn't exactly the kind of activity that ends up with multiple officers, >> [music] >> a Taser deployment, and a trip to jail. But, that's exactly where this story was [music] headed. A homeless man in DeLand had been panhandling near a busy intersection, where police claimed accidents were becoming a problem. Officers said they had already warned him the day before. The man believed he was simply trying to survive another day, so let's see how things escalated here. >> All right, how are you? >> I'm doing one day at a time, man. I have a few more days in the job coming. >> What? >> Still homeless. >> All right. >> How are you doing today? >> I'm all right. So, I told you about this yesterday. >> Huh? >> I warned you about this yesterday. >> You said I was good for yesterday. >> I said that you're no longer allowed to be here yesterday. >> [music] >> And I was warning everybody at this corner yesterday. >> You didn't tell You said yesterday I was >> You're Gary, right? Yeah. >> You said I'm good for yesterday. Today I was just trying to make a little bit cuz I know we don't really have nothing, you know what I'm saying? We're doing pretty bad >> I understand. >> It's pretty bad >> But but you guys are out here, you're causing accidents. >> I ain't caused no accident. I don't even stay out long. I just started doing this. >> All right. Well, >> The officer asked about weapons and conducted a pat down before announcing the arrest. That's when the man's confusion turned into panic. Looking at the situation, it's hard to ignore how quickly things escalated. You know, one moment he was standing there holding a sign and the next he was being physically controlled. Unfortunately, the most dramatic part hadn't happened yet. >> All right, put your sign down. You got anything on you that I need to know about? >> No, sir. >> Any weapons, knives, guns, hand grenades, anything like that? >> No. >> No? >> No, sir. >> All right. Well, let me pat you down for my For your safety and my safety, all right? >> Okay, you can pat me down. I have nothing. >> All right, turn around and put your hands >> All I got is my lighter on. That's it. >> All right. Don't Don't reach for that. >> No, I didn't reach for that. I just came out. You know what I'm saying? I'm on the right. >> Yes, sir, you are. >> All right. >> Told you yesterday you can't panhandle here. >> No, but you told me that I was good. >> No, I told you that I'm not going to mess with >> What you talking about, BRO? STOP RESISTING. STOP RESISTING. >> AS officers attempted to take him into custody, the man kept insisting he hadn't done anything wrong. He appeared shocked by the force being used and repeatedly questioned why he was being treated like a criminal. Someone needs to remind these police officers that a taser is supposed to be used in situations where they genuinely feel threatened. [music] And a homeless man holding a sign definitely wasn't that. But regardless, they were still going to try to justify their actions. >> Ow, TASER, TASER. >> STOP RESISTING. >> GET OUT, GET OUT. >> STOP RESISTING. >> OW, TASER, TASER. >> GET OUT, GET OUT. OW, TASER, TASER. >> Why are y'all doing this to me, man? No. Why are y'all doing me like this, bro? Why? I didn't do anything, bro. Why are y'all doing me like this? I didn't do anything. I swear to you, man. >> All you had to do was listen. >> I was listening, man. >> You didn't Oh, really? >> no. >> Stop. >> That's not right, bro. I didn't do anything. I didn't do anything. >> What's that? I got a right inside my door. >> Yeah, it's there. >> It's a >> I didn't do anything, man. >> The man kept questioning what exactly he was being arrested for while officers insisted they had already explained it. >> [music] >> That's what made this whole thing so frustrating to watch. The guy clearly didn't understand what was happening, yet the officers treated his confusion like defiance. Some cops seem to believe that if a citizen doesn't instantly agree with them, well, then they must be resisting. And that mindset was about to create an even bigger mess. >> I feel bad for that lady's car. He was looking at me and ran smack into her car. >> Oh, yeah, I seen that. >> Yeah, I'm really But you asked me, am I under arrest? I said, yes, you are for panhandling. Shut up. I'm done with you. >> Everything became even more chaotic when the man ended up hitting a nearby vehicle during the struggle. The officers claimed he ran into the car while trying to flee. The man insisted they threw him into it. Those are two very different stories. One version sounds like resistance, the other sounds like a lawsuit waiting to happen. Either way, a panhandling complaint had somehow evolved into a collision scene, and things were getting harder to explain. >> So, I'm trying to get all that drunk out of my lungs. And >> What do you >> Huh? >> No. Hey, wait a second. Stop it. >> This is the opposite of helping me in any way, man. You guys are hurting my back. Jeez, bro. Why would you do me like that? >> While in custody, the man kept repeating that he would have complied if he had fully understood what he was under arrest for. The officers responded by reminding him about their earlier conversation. What's amazing is how much effort everyone spent arguing after the handcuffs were already on. You'd think at least one officer would have realized this [music] entire discussion would have been a lot easier before tackling the guy. But hindsight apparently wasn't issued along with the uniforms. >> Oh, you did you like that. >> No, I didn't. >> When I went to put the cuffs on, you started to pull away. >> When I went to put the cuffs on you and I told you you're under arrest. >> No, you didn't. You never told me. >> When I told you you're under arrest, you pulled away. >> And then you threw Probably you threw me into a car. >> You ran into a car. >> Bro, I didn't run into that car. You threw me, bro. Bro. Bro, he Yeah, y'all got way behind the camera. But he never told me I was under arrest. How y'all supposed to protect us and I'm I'm I got thrown into a car. If you would have told me I was under arrest, I would have understood that. Bro. >> So, you don't remember that conversation where you said, "Am I under arrest?" and I said, "Yes, you are." And you said, "For what?" And I said, "For panhandling." You don't remember that? >> You don't remember that? >> I said, "Are you going to arrest me?" That's all I said. >> And I said, "Yes, you're under arrest." >> You said I was going to pat you down. >> The homeless man continued talking about his situation. He explained that he had nowhere to go and was simply trying to get through another day. The officers kept bringing the conversation back to the warning. It's always interesting how quickly empathy disappears once the [music] paperwork enters the chat. A struggling homeless man was talking about survival while [music] multiple officers focused on ordinance enforcement. It makes you wonder how they can still call themselves public servants. >> And hey. >> Oh, bro. That was crazy. I'm homeless. I ain't got nowhere to be, bro. >> Oh, nothing, man. >> Well, now you have a place to be. >> No, it's a >> Orange County Jail. How about that? >> Oh, that's not where I need to be at. >> You don't need to be in the in the video, camera. >> No, man. I I These people know me. I just started even just started doing this, bro. >> Yesterday I gave you a warning, said yesterday was the last day that you were allowed to be here. >> No, you said I was allowed >> That the order came out yesterday that you're no longer allowed to be here, and I said I wasn't going to take you to jail yesterday >> No, I didn't >> that you had to leave. >> Bro, you didn't have to do me like that for nothing, man. For no reason at all. >> Whatever you did, you did to yourself, man. All you had to do is just leave, man. >> man. Bro, you got it mixed up, bro. >> Okay, well. >> You got it totally mixed up, man. >> The officers explained that panhandling near the intersection created safety concerns and distracted drivers. Fair enough. The problem was that the man kept insisting he personally wasn't causing those accidents. That's where things start sounding ridiculous. The officers were treating him like the human embodiment of every traffic problem in the city. Apparently, all those distracted drivers suddenly became his responsibility, and yet somehow the situation still managed to [music] get even more dramatic. >> That's crazy, bro. >> You even admitted when I first started talking to you here that I told you yesterday not to be here after yesterday. >> No, man. That's That's not how I got chased and everything for nothing, man. >> I'm officer. >> Hey. That's crazy, bro. That's totally nuts, bro. For no reason at all, bro. Y'all didn't have to do me like this for nothing. I honestly got nowhere to be, bro. Nowhere. I got nowhere to be at all. I'm down on my luck, dude. That's it. I honestly don't have no knives. I don't have no weapons, no nothing. Those must protect us from the people who are trying to hurt us. Not put us down in the dirt in our face for nothing. >> The man became increasingly emotional and accused the officers of hurting people instead of helping them. Now, looking at the footage, you can understand why he felt that way. >> [music] >> Most people don't imagine ending up in handcuffs and getting tased over a cardboard sign. The officers were convinced they were solving a public safety problem, and the man felt like he was being punished just for being poor. >> I didn't hurt nobody. I never stopped no traffic or anything. >> I was trying to explain to you why about how how all these people out here panhandling are causing accidents. Remember that? >> It's not me, bro. It's not me. >> It doesn't matter who it is. People panhandling out here causing accidents. >> I don't know, and I I didn't do anything. That's crazy, bro. That's totally nuts, bro. I just I just started doing this. I'm so sad, man. Y'all was Y'all was stopping the bad people who were stopping us. Not the people who were who were out here just trying to get some help. That's crazy, dude. >> Didn't I tell you to stop? >> Now, my theory about the behavior of these police officers is that they were probably heavily bullied in school because now that they have just a little tiny amount of authority in their hands, well, they act like they need to punish anyone they can, even if that means targeting people who are weaker than them. You can clearly see that these officers seem to think the homeless man didn't know his rights and that they could [music] do whatever they wanted. According to police policy, officers are required to clearly explain why someone is being arrested, detained, or even stopped in the first place. Here, the officers kept responding with, "I told you already." Okay, but maybe he didn't hear it. A lot had happened and the situation was chaotic. Was it really that difficult [music] to explain it one more time? Geez, I swear there's nothing worse than police officers with oversized egos. His wife arrived and immediately saw him in custody. The emotion hit hard. The man started explaining what happened while officers discussed removing the taser probes. That's a wild sentence when you stop and think about it. A guy woke up needing enough money to buy food and ended his day discussing taser injuries with police. Life can be rough. [music] Dealing with police seemed determined to make it rougher. You threw me into a car. You all made a big old scene for nothing, man. >> Baby, I didn't break nothing. I didn't do nothing, babe. >> Don't do yesterday. Don't do it no more. >> No, he >> He said, "Why did you come back here?" >> Babe, I didn't do nothing. I didn't even do nothing. >> The man remained frustrated while officers remained convinced they had done everything correctly. That's one of the most fascinating parts of these encounters. No matter how ugly things look on camera, somebody always insists everything went exactly according to plan. If this was the plan, well, I'd hate to see what they considered a mistake. [music] But, the officers were about to double down on their version of events. >> I didn't throw anything. He ran. It's a brand new car. >> I was trying to stop him and pull him back. He was running. He was looking back at me and he ran smack into the car. >> Scared the [ __ ] out of me. >> Huh? Huh? He all right. No problem. >> I don't need you to laugh. >> [laughter] >> I'm fine. >> It's a brand new car. >> Huh? >> It's a brand new car. Yes. >> You okay? What can you see? >> I don't know. I don't >> Ain't moving. >> Uh-uh. >> Yeah, it ain't moving. That's a brand new Burn. >> The officers later discussed the collision with the vehicle and claimed the man ran into it while trying to escape. The man told a completely different story. What's funny is that by this point, nobody was even talking about panhandling anymore. The original offense had completely disappeared from the conversation. The focus had shifted to force, injuries, and accountability. [music] That's usually a sign that something went very wrong somewhere along the way. >> All right, so you guys have been watching him. I believe he's at this 50-ft mark, right? >> Yeah, so he started up there. >> Okay, that's what I was >> And walked us all all the way back here. >> That's what I meant. That's it. That's it. Yep. Because uh you know, it could be 50-ft to the intersection, right? But he was right at the intersection. >> Yeah, so he kept starting at the the sign right there. >> Okay, never mind where the turning sign is. >> Yeah. >> Uh but uh but the man zero feet to the intersection. >> And then he walked walked all the way back to here, and then he walked back up. So I waited until he was walking back up, and then I came out, and I was going to come up behind him, but traffic was moving, so I just got up in front of him, and then I got out. >> All right, we're doing the same thing as him. I can do it. All right, look. >> The homeless man ended up facing charges related to the ordinance violation and resisting arrest. Officer Damon Clark maintained [music] that the arrest was lawful and necessary because the man had already been warned and refused to comply. For now, all we can do is hope that the consequences catch up with Officer Clark sooner rather than later. But until then, let's talk about some police officers who ended up getting completely owned. What started as an animal welfare call quickly turned into a bizarre standoff involving animal control and a citizen who knew enough about his rights to make every officer on scene visibly uncomfortable. Authorities responded [music] to reports of neglected animals and dozens of cats living in poor conditions. At the same time, a man arrived hoping to take ownership of a dog he believed deserved a better home. [music] So, if you ask what could go wrong here, well, let's take a look together. >> When is your date set for? Is it set for >> For this dog? Tuesday >> [music] >> at 3:00 p.m. And I literally I'm willing to show you my call log that I just made the appointment, but you have no right to demand my ID. You have no right and you have no right to demand vaccine records on her. It does not No, you You don't. No, this is This is not in Nazi Germany. This is not Nazi Germany. And this is not a stop and ID state, either. >> [music] >> The man openly accused the officers of escalating a situation that didn't need escalation. Looking at the footage, it's easy to understand why he felt that way. He was offering explanations, showing proof of appointments, and trying to cooperate within the limits of what he believed the law required. Meanwhile, the officers seemed determined to keep [music] pushing. Some people collect baseball cards, while these folks appeared [music] to collect government-issued identification. And I've brought dog food over because [music] at one point they didn't have enough food to get through to payday, and so I brought them dog food so they didn't run out. >> See, that changes things. >> I'm just trying to help and you're going to come out here and escalate and your job is to de-escalate. No, ma'am, you're escalating. You're escalating. I understand, but he already told you he misspoke. >> Well, I don't know who to believe. Who am I supposed to be >> Well, I mean, that that's on [music] you to decide. But, I mean Well, he just told you. >> Hey, I need uh >> I thought you was going to put it on speaker. >> It is on speaker. >> Uh yeah, [music] this is Matthew. Uh I don't >> step You can >> Okay, I'm Well, woah. I Okay. Ma'am, I've given I've stepped back. Ma'am, I've stepped back. I've stepped back. I've stepped back. I've stepped back again. Now it's escalating. >> And I need you to also check and if a appointment's been made for a dog that this gentleman was supposed to take claim of and the only information I have is the owner's name is Matthew and the dog's name is Angel. >> I I don't I don't want my last name given neighbors, okay? It's Matthew. I just got off the phone with you. We scheduled an appointment for we call [music] him puppy for now on Tuesday at 3:00 p.m. And also Angel has been there for her 3-year vaccine rabies. You're probably going to You're probably going to need to put a supervisor on the phone. You're just trying to get my last name. And you have no right. >> A call to the veterinary's office started clearing up some of the important details. The clinic confirmed that an appointment [music] had been made for the dog. That should have been a positive development. Instead, it created even more arguments. The man repeatedly [music] pointed out that he wasn't legally required to surrender his ID. Animal [music] control seemed completely unable to let that topic go. The dog was getting closer to receiving medical care, but common sense was still missing here. >> It what he says he put it He says he put it for Tuesday at 3:00 >> 3:00 p.m. And they put it under puppy cuz he doesn't have a name yet. >> They put it under puppy. >> No last name. I don't have to give you my my ID. I'm sorry. >> [music] >> Just because I'm standing up for my rights, you guys See, that's the problem. That's why people people in America are turning against you guys because you come [music] out here and you're tyrannical. >> Okay. And so, let me ask you a question. You provide care to owners of animals, correct? [music] Okay. Sir, I need to see your ID, please. >> not taken ownership of the dog yet. I have not taken owner Okay, you guys need to get your lieutenant out here. [music] I want a lieutenant out here now. >> a current rabies vaccination on a dog named Angel under his name. >> There's another rule that police officers often fail to follow. When someone asks for a supervisor, it's their duty to call one immediately, right then and there. It doesn't matter whether they personally think it's necessary or not. What matters is that those are the rules and they're supposed to follow them. And by this point, [music] it's probably clear that this case is going to drag on forever. >> There is. They take care of my dog. They're my vet. She's been [music] there several times this year. Thank you. And she's nice and plump and healthy, too. She's actually overweight. >> [music] >> The vet and I have talked about putting her on diet food. >> Okay. Okay. Expiration. >> I want to I want your supervisor. I didn't hear you go over the radio. No, sir, I didn't. Sorry. >> Okay, rabies tag number please. And you said that expiration was what? What month? >> The man finally started openly mocking the obsession with identification. Honestly, it wasn't difficult not to laugh at that point. Every road seemed to lead back to the same destination. No matter what evidence appeared, somebody wanted ID. If they could have prescribed ID as a veterinary treatment, they probably [music] would have done that, too. But the argument was about to become much more serious. You guys just have to have that ID. It's your crack. >> All right. >> It's like crack to you guys. It's like crack. Got to get that ID. Got to get my high. Got to be in control. Got to [music] be in charge. Got to put the boot on the on the citizen's neck, always. And you're supposed to de-escalate. I'm just trying to give the dog a home. That's it. Okay? I've not taken possession of the dog and you want to word it, "Oh, you provide you provide uh services." [music] You know how many people take animals there that get run over that take animals there for elderly people that can't leave their home, okay? They provide service to animals, okay? [music] Period. >> He explained that he hadn't even taken possession of the dog yet and therefore couldn't understand why officials were treating him like the owner. Oh, wait a second. Could it be because they were extremely bored that day and just wanted to entertain themselves a little? Or maybe they wanted to prove to themselves how powerful they were. Whatever the reason was, it wasn't a good one. Nobody wants their tax dollars being wasted on police officers [music] acting like this. >> I'm not the owner of the dog until I actually take possession of the dog, period. I mean, one of two things can happen here. They [music] can take the dog and I can do nothing about that, or you guys can let me take the dog and give it a good home. I got 5 acres. It'll have a bed. It'll be fed slowly in in tiny increments throughout the day until it gets some weight on and it's healthy and it's safe to feed it a full amount of food. It will be fed small amounts. I know how to take care of an animal. Like I mean, I was kind enough to offer you guys my call log and everything. I don't have to ID. I'm going to get my water out of my truck. >> Is the dog aggressive? >> Uh she she she will bark at you. Don't try to pet her. She has a thing with men, but she's also a service dog. So, when she's on a leash, she listens to my commands. Oh. >> It's all right. >> No, shut the door. Scoot over, love. Scoot. Good girl. No, it's okay, baby. Stay quiet. Be a good girl. >> Officials began discussing the larger investigation among themselves. >> [music] >> Reports of numerous animals, poor living conditions, and potential neglect became the center of attention. Finally, the actual welfare concerns started receiving more attention than the identification debate. Ironically, [music] the strongest evidence in the entire case had nothing to do with the man who wanted the dog, but he was about to become a much bigger target anyway. The man realized officials were likely going to seize the dog. You could immediately hear the frustration building. From his perspective, he was offering a solution that could cost taxpayers nothing and provide the animal with a home. From the officials perspective, the dog had become part of an investigation. >> No, you don't you don't Uh well, first off, I'm not leaving and and then second off second off what why am I being detained? Okay okay, what crime articulate a crime that I am suspected of committing because you have to articulate a crime that I am suspected of Uh no no no no I'm not done. I am not suspected of committing any crime and so you need to tell me specifically what statue >> He said that you were coming over here to get your dog. >> Okay, she's now she's now verified she's now verified she's now verified she's now verified that I it's not my dog. She's now verified okay. So and I wasn't going to leave but but what crime >> Animal cruelty. >> Animal cruelty on what animal? >> That white one. >> That that white one that he just claimed he's had ownership of for over a month that he lied to you. >> All right well okay he lied to us first so what makes you think he isn't lying now? >> Oh my goodness you're ridiculous. You guys are ridiculous. You you guys you guys are you guys are ridiculous. I don't need to. Yeah see this is you guys pulling a power trip now and that's not your job. Uh you just confirmed I have an appointment with the vet. My first name is enough. >> Can you not call a lot of vets telling me your name's Joe Blow? >> Really? [music] They confirmed my dog >> Everything escalated when a deputy informed the man that he wasn't free to leave. That instantly changed the tone of the entire encounter. The man demanded to know what crime he was suspected of committing and repeatedly asked officers to articulate a legal basis for detention. Haven't police officers learned during their training [music] that they don't have authority over people who haven't broken the law? It's pretty basic. >> They confirmed my dog has a rabies vaccine for 3 years. They run a card with my name on it. A CareCredit [music] card with my name on it. You guys don't need my last name. Now you guys are literally pulling a power trip when I'm just simply here trying to help the dog have a better life. Okay cuz that dog was given to >> [music] >> to to him or somebody else and they obviously can't maintain taking care of the dog, but I didn't want to take the dog until I knew I had money to pay for the vet and everything else. >> [music] >> And so now you want to say I'm under animal cruelty and you're detaining me for that. Okay, but you said I'm being detained for animal cruelty charges. Correct? [music] Okay, for the dog that he I just want to clarify because I want to make sure you lose your qualified immunity when I sue [music] you. Okay, cuz this is now an illegal detention. This is now an illegal detention. >> [music] >> It's now an illegal detention. Just so you know, okay? So I want to clarify one more time. I want to clarify one more time. I want to clarify one more time. I want to What's that? What's been a law? No, this is not a stop and ID state. Show me the statute that says this is a stop and ID state. I'm not You have not pulled me over. >> The deputy floated the possibility of animal cruelty while simultaneously acknowledging that ownership of the dog remained unclear. The man immediately seized on that contradiction and refused to let it go. Looking at the exchange, it felt like the deputy was trying to keep every option open at once. That's usually a risky strategy when somebody is recording every word and believe me, the argument over detention was only about to get worse. >> Okay, so I want to clarify one more time. He has verified ownership of the animal. Belongs to him. I want to verify one more time because you said I'm not free to leave and so I want to verify I want to verify one more time. You're telling me he has now admitted to ownership of the dog and you could say he lied to us once, he could be lying to us again, yada yada. But however, [music] you now have the right story that he owns the dog. Okay? And he's responsible for the dog. okay? But now you're detaining me under investigation of I could be charged with animal cruelty. Right now you're saying that I could be charged with animal cruelty. >> Like I said, we don't know whose dog it was. >> You're saying I could be charged with animal cruelty. >> You could be charged with animal cruelty. >> So that that that's that's not that doesn't allow you legal right to detain me. If you're going to say somebody unless you're going to tell me I I am under investigation for animal cruelty. Am I under investigation for animal cruelty? >> Possible. >> Poss- That's not enough to detain me. That's not enough. So am I free to leave or no? >> No. >> Okay, so what crime what crime am I suspected of committing? No, because you're saying somebody. You need to say deliberately that I am going to be charged with animal that I am under investigation for animal cruelty. >> that that was your dog. >> Am I under investigation for animal cruelty? >> The detention argument turned into a complete disaster for the deputies. The man kept asking the same simple question over and over. What crime was he actually suspected of committing? Notice how nobody seemed eager to provide a straight [music] answer. They danced around possibilities, theories, and maybes. But you can tell by the looks on their faces [music] that they weren't expecting to deal with someone like this. >> So I am not free to leave because I am under investigation for animal cruelty. Okay, you just lost your qualified immunity. I don't know why you guys won't let me help the situation. I'm just trying to help, but you got to you got to go on your power hungry trip and you guys are being tyrants. [music] Stay. You're tyrants. Don't move. Move, baby, move. Move. You're being tyrants. You're being absolutely unreasonable. So are you telling me right now if I leave I will be arrested? If I leave right now what If I leave right now am I being arrested? Am I being detained? Am I being detained? Yeah, see exactly cuz you know this is an illegal detention right now. And you done lost your qualified immunity. You done lost it. You done lost it. I mean you're you're illegally operating right now because you're you're you you you're you're jonesing for your crack hit of getting somebody's ID. You're jonesing to have the power trip and I don't I don't I don't play along with that. I was just here to try and help. That's it. I'm just [snorts] trying to help. >> At this point, the man openly accused the deputies of conducting an illegal detention. Whether viewers agree or disagree with him, one thing became obvious. He wasn't [music] intimidated. Most people would have quietly complied and hoped everything worked out later. But this guy went in the opposite direction and challenged every legal claim being made. And now, thanks to their egos, we had a dog [music] sitting in a car waiting for the officers to do what they should have done from the start and de-escalate the situation. >> This is this is an illegal detention right now you guys and he just lost qualified immunity. He just lost Now now now the words will get twisted. Body cams, if they have body cams, will be muted because they don't want us to hear what they're saying. Police always mute their body cams when they talk to each other. It's just the way it is. [music] And all I'm trying to do is help. All I was trying to do is help. Now my poor dog is stuck sitting in a hot car. Oh, and they won't tell me tell me if they're seizing the dog or not. They just won't tell me. Because if they're seizing the dog, then I should be free to leave. How's it going? Name and badge number, please. Are you the supervisor? >> No. >> Okay. >> The man learned that the dog would likely remain in official custody rather than go home with him. That clearly irritated him because he believed he had already proven he could provide proper care. He had veterinary appointments, existing pets, and a plan. Animal Control had a very different plan. Bureaucracy has a remarkable ability >> [music] >> to turn straightforward situations into paperwork marathons. Unfortunately for everyone involved, nobody seemed willing to compromise. >> So, you Are you seizing the dog? Because if you are, then I should have a right to leave. I I'm asking you cuz I want to know if you're seizing the dog, then I should be free to leave. You You can want to know it all you want, but I don't have to give it to you. You guys are on a power trip. This is un- This is so unprofessional because you have somebody willing to offer the dog a good home that's going to provide the dog with vet care, shelter, love, training, [music] and everything. Me. My name is Matthew. That's all you need. You've confirmed my vet appointment. You've confirmed the rabies on my dog. Okay? [music] So, that proves that that's my name. This is not a stop and ID state. Okay? >> Do you understand why originally though that we were trying to ID you? >> Because you guys need to ID because you guys have to have ID cuz you just have to have it, that's why. That's why. I can understand, but here's the Here's what you've got to understand from my point of view. [music] I have a right not to give you my ID. I have every right, investigation or not. Currently, he's illegally detaining me. >> Here's the thing, okay? >> No, hold on, please. You You asked me, "Do I understand?" Let me respond, okay? Please be fair, okay? He's now illegally detaining me saying that I am under investigation for animal cruelty while they're talking about they're seizing the dog while he's confirmed ownership of the dog. >> The conversation circled back to identification yet again. >> [music] >> By now, it almost felt like a running joke. Every time progress appeared, somebody brought the discussion right back to ID. But, how exactly was this man's ID supposed to prove anything? What? Were they going to look at his driver's license and somehow determine whether he was cruel to animals or not? Some things only seem to make sense inside the minds of police officers. >> Okay, so now that releases me from the whole situation, but he wants to tell me >> for said dog. >> I just made it today. I can show you my call log. I made it on the right before I left my house. No, she's escalated from the moment I got here, and her job is to de-escalate, not escalate. >> here, okay? I'm trying to figure out why you made an appointment for a dog that you don't own. >> Because I'm coming to get the dog so I can own the dog. I was supposed to do it on the 3rd. I showed you the scar where I just had my neck fused. I've showed you where my legs are swollen cuz I have blood clots. I'm supposed to be on bed rest. >> I'm just here trying to figure out what's going on. So, my understanding, okay, and the whole reason that he's got you here, we was trying to get you here, is because we thought you owned the dog. >> I understand, but now it's been clarified that I don't. >> Okay. And the whole reason that everybody was out here in the first place was for animal neglect, okay? >> I understand that. >> Whoever would own the dog would be under investigation. >> I understand that. >> At that point, they would have to ID >> At this point, he has he has claimed ownership or or well, I mean I don't know if he's claiming ownership or the person that's in jail is claiming ownership of the dog cuz I don't know which one the dog was given to. A supervisor finally took the time to hear the man's side of the story. He explained his medical issues, his delayed plans to retrieve the dog, and [music] his belief that animal control had escalated the situation from the beginning. This was probably the most detailed explanation anyone received all day, but if you think this was finally going to resolve the situation, we wouldn't be here for nothing, right? You're mistaken. These officers were only getting started with their power trip that day. So I just made >> [music] [music] >> Yeah. And all I'm trying [music] to do, sir, is offer the dog a good home with good care, but at the same time stand for my rights. And right now, there's going to be a lawsuit because essentially now they're going to seize that dog out of power [music] control instead of letting me take it. And I and I can get it give it good care. And I've been talking about getting a second dog so she can have a playmate [music] because of my next surgery and my injuries and my disability, I can't walk her more than a mile a day and she needs more exercise than that. And so I wanted to have a second dog >> [music] >> that she could play with, but I know the vet bills going to be very expensive. And so I just got paid on the 3rd, but again, I've showed you my swollen feet. I've showed you my neck scar that I've just had surgery, okay? >> I'm pretty sure these police officers [music] weren't actually concerned about the dog or its safety. If they were, they would have removed the dog from the hot car. And now just a reminder, this conversation had already been going on for about 30 minutes and unfortunately, it was going to continue for at least that long. >> And I couldn't come on the 3rd cuz I didn't feel well. I just want to take the dog because [music] then I know it gets a good home. I will take care of the dog. I promise you guys. >> [music] >> But I want to stand on my right not to have to give my last name. Did you hear that, buddy? >> Uh No, Matthew. Matthew. So they are seizing that dog. And so you guys won't let me take possession of the dog today. Even Yes. No, the white one. Even though I even though I've even though I've let you confirm that I made a vet appointment for it and everything. Even though I understand that. I understand that, but my my [clears throat] See, this is why we need to This is why I want to talk to supervisor cuz I want to make sure I follow verbal complaint against her with the supervisor. This is unacceptable. >> This entire situation led the man to want to file a complaint about the harassment he had been dealing with all day. And of course, instead of simply helping him and responding to that request, the officers decided not to provide the service they were supposed to provide. Instead, [music] they chose to make a simple process as complicated as possible. >> So, that's why I've told you I want to make the complaint verbally and have you file it on my behalf. >> [music] >> Because I have nerve damage in my right hand and it's extremely difficult for me to write. And to write all of this out on a form would be extremely difficult for me. >> So, what we'll do with that is you come up to the sheriff's office and you verbally give it to another supervisor. Okay? And it's going to have to be my supervisor. >> Mhm. >> Okay? Uh >> Which is? >> It's going to be Lieutenant >> Lieutenant >> Tollers is his >> Lieutenant Tollers. >> Uh he's there Monday through Friday, 8:00 to 4:00. >> Okay. >> All right. Uh I don't have a problem filling that out, but from what you said you You're saying that you were illegally detained, that they demanded your license in the investigation. Is what you told >> No, after the investigation was over as well, they were still demanding my ID. >> Okay. Uh >> Or they were illegally detaining me. Because they they had already stated to him that they're seizing all the animals including that dog. >> And then after it was over with you were told >> I was detained. No, no. He was still detaining me. He was still detaining me. >> But after it was over with is what I'm saying you were told >> No, after it was over with I was still being detained detained by him. After it was absolved that they were they were Oh my goodness. >> I think this is my evidence. This is an investigation. And due to the story that was told to me first is why I asked him for his identification. >> After nearly an hour of arguing, debating [music] statutes, discussing identification laws, and listening to competing versions of the same story, the man never [music] got the dog he came to rescue. He left convinced that the entire encounter had become a power trip fueled by his refusal to hand over identification. In the end though, the officers were the ones who got owned because the man never gave [music] up his rights for even a second. Speaking of that, let's move on to our final case of the day. What started as a simple complaint between neighbors somehow turned into a full-blown argument about constitutional rights, identification laws, and a female officer who appeared personally offended by the word "no." The police responded to investigate a reported dispute, but instead of focusing on the person who actually called them, they quickly became obsessed with getting another man's ID. Here we go. >> And we're going to bring you in. That's it. >> How is that interfering? >> Because we're investigating a complaint. >> to investigate this this complaint that happened, right? >> Okay. >> called up here. We try to identify people and make sure nothing happens, okay? >> But there's no there's no crime [music] committed. I'm not being I don't want to be rude or anything like that, but I he should be the one to be talked to first. >> Okay. [music] >> Cuz I did nothing. I shouldn't >> And we intend to go talk to him. We are However, you were out here and you started talking with us about what happened. >> Well, you guys came up to me and and I said, "Hi, you know, so." >> to talk to them? >> Yeah, I can >> I'll say what >> Mark, we'll be right back, okay? >> Yep. I I I don't I whatever. If he he doesn't know it, but >> It's just for the record. We're not >> [music] >> saying he's involved in it. >> My law By law, though, I'm on public [music] property right now, too. And even if I was inside, there's no reasonable articulable suspicion of a crime. >> [music] >> I do not need to identify. This is not identifiable state. >> This is a police investigation. >> That doesn't matter. I can pull up the case law right now if you want. >> Yeah, I mean, it's you're wrong. >> No, I'm not, actually. >> No, I'm not. >> doesn't really matter. You have to identify yourself if you're involved in something. >> No. Not If I committed a crime, if I committed a crime, it's not interfering if I didn't do anything physical. >> The female officer became increasingly frustrated as the man calmly explained why he believed he didn't have to identify himself. >> [music] >> What made this exchange hilarious was how confident both sides were. The man kept talking about case law. [music] The officer kept responding with pure trust me, bro energy. At one point, she basically dismissed anything he might pull up before [music] even seeing it. It's honestly unbelievable that someone like her managed to get the job in the first place. >> That's correct. >> That's true. >> No, it's not. I've been doing this job long enough. I know when you have to identify yourself and when you don't. If you were some random person walking down the sidewalk and you were >> I said my name is Mark. That's all you need to know. >> No, it's not. We need your name and your date of birth. >> No, no, you don't. >> Yes, you were involved in some sort of argument. >> Nope. That's not true. >> Okay. You know my job better than I do, right? >> Oh, I'm not trying to be rude. I'm just going on my constitutional rights. No, this is my consti- This is my constitutional rights, though. Yes, it is. >> Go ahead. Pull up whatever you think it is, but you're wrong. >> No. >> [music] >> See, he's See, he's I'm I'm chill. That's the thing. See, [music] I don't even know what happened either. I was up there and I asked if it's wet and I walked. >> Things really started falling apart when the female officer insisted that anyone involved in an incident had to identify themselves. [music] The man immediately challenged that claim and even offered to pull up case law. That's where the frustration became obvious. She wasn't trying to convince him anymore. She was trying to wear him down. But wait, this argument is about to get even worse. >> And then he started getting all upset at me. So, I don't know. I was like, "Okay, I'm going to go downstairs." >> You are the problem that we're here investigating. >> No, I didn't. I came downstairs. No, no, no, no. I came downstairs and standed out here by myself, not bothering no one. You know what I mean? So. No, I know. I'm saying I just got out of the situation cuz I didn't want a situation cuz it's not right. I mean, I Give me your name and badge anyways. It doesn't I didn't do anything wrong. But I didn't break the [music] law. Well, that's that's on him then. That's on him. But I didn't do nothing. >> [music] [music] >> I guess. I don't know why he would call because Yeah, but I didn't do nothing. It's totally minor. We were literally just arguing and him calling me names and stuff and I walked outside. >> The female officer doubled down and claimed people [music] don't call the police for no reason. That's a fascinating theory. Now, anyone who's watched body cam footage for more than 20 minutes knows people call the police for absolutely ridiculous reasons all the time. Neighbors argue, roommates complain, >> [music] >> somebody's playing loud music, but yet then again, we weren't exactly [music] expecting her to say something intelligent, were we? >> Is your supervisor available, please? >> For what? Do you have your name and badge number? >> My name is Officer Eldridge. My badge number is 510. >> Okay, thank you. >> You're welcome. >> I don't want to be rude. I'm just going in because I know my rights. That's all. >> Well, what you think you know is not how it works. Your rights, you're correct. And if you were some random person not involved in this, you don't have to give us your name. That is correct. However, you're involved in some sort of incident that we're investigating. Therefore, you need to provide your name. That's how it works. [music] Otherwise, if you interfering with our investigation. >> Interference is a physical act. >> That's not true. >> Yes, it is. >> No, it's not. >> It is. I'm not going to stop my rights. >> I'm not going to argue with you. You don't know the law. You don't know the law. You don't know the law. >> Why you yell? I'm sorry, please don't yell at me. I'm not yelling. >> Because I'm >> [music] >> trying to be so patient with you, and you're not providing your name. The next step is you're just going to come in with us. You're refusing to identify yourself. That's how it works. >> I I Is it Are you sir Are you Oh, you're a corporal. Okay. Oh, okay. Oh, I seen the stripe, that's why at first. >> This was probably the funniest part of the entire encounter. [music] The officer openly admitted she was running out of patience and threatened to arrest if he didn't provide identification. Think about that for a second. >> [music] >> A man who wasn't accused of committing a crime was suddenly facing jail all because he wouldn't make a report writing easier. The second someone starts threatening arrest to win an argument, well, they've usually already lost the argument. >> No, he he called and I came down and I didn't commit a crime, that's why. But if you need >> I need you to listen. I'm going to be honest with you. I'm not going to play any games. Keep that phone on all you want. I got this. >> No, I know I know, it's fine. That's all the only reason I'm doing it. >> If you don't identify yourself, you're going to jail. >> Okay. >> So, are we going in? >> Are we going in? Mark. >> Are we going this? I need ID. Where is it? >> Okay. Um I'm giving my ID on the threat of arrest. Yeah. I'm giving my ID on threat of arrest. >> Thank you. >> Well, um I got to put it on there just in case I need >> give a damn. I don't care. It doesn't really matter. See, that's all we got to do is just identify people. >> Yeah, that's all. I didn't do nothing wrong, so I'm that's fine by me. I know, but I know the laws in Liberty you have to commit a crime. >> Then you learn that law if you'd like. >> Oh, I I have. I know I know the First Amendment. Do you you know all five points First Amendment? >> Eventually the man handed over his ID, making it crystal clear that he was only doing so under the threat of arrest. >> [music] >> Notice how quickly the mood changed after that. Suddenly everyone relaxed. I'm just not sure why they thought everything was okay at that point because situations like this can end up costing officers their qualified immunity. >> [music] >> After all, these same officers took an oath at the beginning of their careers to protect [music] the constitutional rights of all citizens. >> Yeah. >> I want to say >> It's okay. No, I I want you to I mean I know everything's good, so >> Thank you. >> You're welcome. Yeah. Yeah, I'm not going nowhere. You got my license. You're welcome. >> I deal. It's no vinyl, man. >> This is cop car 19 and 26. Yeah, I gave my ID. >> That was hard. >> It wasn't hard. I just wanted to make sure because, [music] you know what I mean? I mean I know my rights, so it's like I just wanted to make sure everything was okay and then I seen that, you know, I thought he was a captain or or a sergeant or whatever you want to call it, supervisor, so you know. And plus, I didn't want to make a big deal out of it. I don't want to go to jail. So, it's like Well, >> You already elevated it for no reason. >> Well, I'm going to >> I hope you will understand that in the future, if you're involved in something that we're investigating, you have to provide your name. It's just so much easier off the bat. >> Oh. >> Okay? >> Okay. Well, after this is resolved, then um yeah. I'll figure everything out. >> Once the officer had the ID, she immediately started explaining how much easier everything would have been if he had just complied from the beginning. That's rich, lady. The person threatening jail was now [music] giving a lecture about cooperation. Meanwhile, the police officer who had his documents [music] was probably thrilled to run his information and see whether he had any warrants. [music] They seemed like they could hardly wait to find a reason to arrest someone. >> Did he give ID, too? >> Yes, yes. >> Okay. No. >> Why don't you want to give me your name? >> Because my rights. If I If you didn't arrest, you know, reasonable articulable super suspicion. [music] >> But, were you >> But, if I'm not in the middle of a crime or committing or about to commit a crime, >> You're missing the the part where you have to give your name and and date of birth to the police. >> You don't have to just because. [music] If a cop asks you to give your ID, you should do it. No, you don't. >> It's the law. You can look it up on your phone. >> If a cop comes up to me and says I have to give ID, I have to give ID? That's what you're saying? >> is investigating an incident and they say you that you're involved. You told us you were involved. That was your words, not ours. You said you were involved. >> The Because I said, "Yeah." because he started yelling at me. Yeah. >> That's why we got called here. >> Uh-huh. >> Then you have to give your name and ID. >> Okay, I'll look that up then. Okay. No, I'll I'll give you guys the benefit of the doubt. Definitely. >> to be like to be yelling at police officers and if >> Oh, I'm not yelling. >> and he's like freaking out and he like body slams you or something down on the ground. Like, we don't want any of that. I want you to be as safe as as safe as possible. The best thing for that is you to know your rights exactly. Okay, so make sure you look at look into that, all right? >> Oh, I I I do all the time. That's why. >> Okay, cuz we don't want to arrest people for nothing when you have no warrants or anything. >> Yeah, exactly. And I know I don't because I had one from like 9 years ago about like 2 years ago, [music] and I had to go to Hartford, and they dismissed it because it was nothing, you know what I mean? Because of him. >> [laughter] >> After all the tension, the officers suddenly shifted into friendly community policing mode. They asked if he felt safe around his neighbor and whether he needed help. But, it was a little late for all that. If they want people to remember them in a positive way, maybe they should think about changing the approach they take from the very beginning. >> I just did it in a heartbeat. I'm not going to stand here in the cold. >> Thank you. >> See, everything's good, right? >> See? Yeah. >> Yeah, you good? Do you need anything? Do you need anything from >> Actually >> Are you worried about him hurting you in any way? >> He actually he does get a little crazy sometimes. Like, I feel sometimes going into the kitchen, like I get scared. You know what? I don't >> You can separate yourself. >> We're both upstairs right now, and I'll come out and make sure I'm allowed to >> I give you whatever you want. >> Like >> I want to go through uh >> You're scared of all that stuff, right? >> So, he I can't Good morning. So, I'm going >> Please >> No arrest was made, no crime was uncovered, and the entire encounter ended exactly where it could have ended 10 minutes earlier. >> [music] >> The man provided identification under the threat of arrest, the officers completed their report, and everyone went home. Was it really that difficult to wrap this up in 2 minutes? Now, if you thought today's cases were unbelievable, well, you've got to brace yourself for what's coming next. [music] The stories we covered today are only the tip of the iceberg. In the next video, we'll look at incidents that are even more outrageous, more controversial, and harder [music] to explain. Which case shocked you the most today? Let us know in the comments, and don't miss the next video. I'll see you in the next one.