Around 2:30 in the morning, David Pletz rode through a construction zone where part of [music] a bike lane was blocked by road work equipment. A simple disagreement quickly spiraled into a confrontation. >> What's your name, sir? >> I'm I don't I don't have to tell you. >> Yeah, you do. Cuz you're you're detained right [music] now. What's your a reason why? >> I told you. >> Put your hands behind your back. >> I love people like you who think that you're going to tell me the law. >> You're not being charged with trespass. charged being charged with obstruction. >> Obstructing what? What crime? >> Obstructing officially >> a failure to identify as a secondary a secondary charge. >> Stop taking what is it of what criminal activity? >> They don't know you. That's why we're talking. >> Have a good day then. I refuse to answer any questions. I want a lawyer. >> Imagine getting arrested because you tried to avoid a construction zone or being put in handcuffs because you recorded from the side of the road. It [music] all sounds ridiculous, but both of those things actually happened. And in each case, [music] the officers seem to focus on proving their point that they skipped the most basic question. Did they actually have the law on their side? Well, let's get started and take a look. >> Street traffic. >> So, you want to argue with me? Do you want me put that sign? >> Do you want me to take your information? And do you want to argue with me? >> A quiet bike ride through downtown Detroit turned into a courtroom battle that lasted for longer than anyone expected. Around 2:30 in the morning, David Plet rode through a construction zone where part of a bike lane was blocked by roadwork equipment. What should have been a simple disagreement quickly spiraled into a confrontation with a veteran police sergeant who believed the cyclist belonged in the bike lane. No matter what. >> Yeah, cuz you didn't look at it. >> [ __ ] you expect me to go through that? >> You see all the Oh, wait a minute. You're telling me that you can't you can't slow your No, that's detour for street traffic. >> So, you want to argue with me? >> Do you want me put that sign? >> Do you want me to take your information and do you want to argue with me? All I told you was to ride in the bike lane. >> Do I want a lawsuit? Let me see your ID. I don't have it on me. >> Oh, so you want to argue with the police when you don't have your ID and you're riding in the middle of the road state? >> No, you're committing an infraction right now. >> The argument kept escalating as the cop focused entirely on defending the bike lane while David pointed at the construction blocking it. Every answer David gave seemed to irritate the officer even more. And then came the detention. Suddenly, a disagreement about traffic laws transformed into an investigation. It's always fascinating how some cops treat simple questions like personal attacks. And this was only the beginning. >> I'm not. You're supposed to. It said the law says ride as far as possible to the right. >> You see all of this? All of this. What's your name, sir? >> I'm I don't I don't have to tell you. >> Yeah, you do. Cuz you're you're detained right now. >> Under what law did I >> radio 470? I'm at uh Green and Fort You have another car rolling this way. What's your name? >> I don't think I have to do >> Well, yeah, you do. I'm telling you. Well, I don't care what you think. I'm telling you this bike lane, all of this construction right here. >> What's your reasonable? >> I'm not in any trouble. Just have a uncooperative individual. All of this construction was made for people like you who want to ride your bike in the street. So, you don't get hit and get killed by cars. Now, you have all of this >> and killed by this, >> my man. If you can't slow your bike down enough to avoid. >> David continued explaining why he believed the bike lane was obstructed while the officer kept insisting that a cyclist should simply maneuver around the barriers. Then the conversation drifted into headlights, visibility, and obstacle avoidance. Somehow the actual issue kept getting buried under new arguments. You could almost see the officer building a case in real time and hoping something would stick. >> This minor obstacle. How's Who's to say that I could even see that? If that was in the road, it would be different. >> Well, you have a headlight on your You have a headlight on your bike, don't you? Do you have a headlight on your bike? >> Yes, I have a headlight. >> Yeah. Well, why don't why isn't it on? >> It doesn't have to be. It's a bicycle. >> Well, you're the one who said that you can't avoid obstacles. And if you have a headlight, maybe you should have it on to not hit obstacles. Does that make sense to you? >> Maybe the obstacles shouldn't be in the bike lane. It is your responsibility to control your vehicle. You see all these pylons? We control those. You have two seconds to give me some ID or give me your name. >> I don't think I have. What's your reason why? >> I told you. Put your hands behind your back. I love people like you who think that you're going to tell me the law. The officer finally lost patience and placed David in handcuffs after demanding identification. During the arrest, he proudly announced that his reasonable suspicion came from watching David ride outside the bike lane. The problem was that David had spent the entire [music] encounter explaining why he believed state law allowed him to do exactly that. But let's be real, this officer should have been dealing with actual crimes, you know, not something this minor that could have easily ended with a ticket or even, hey, just a warning. >> You got anything on you I need to know about? >> I have a worse blade in my front. >> You have a what? >> A worse blade in my front. >> A knife. Okay. >> Probably. And just so you know, the warning that I gave you three times telling you not to drive in the middle of a traffic lane when there's a bike lane provided is my reasonable suspicion to talk to you. >> Even though it's closed, >> it's not closed. That is a detour sign for vehicle traffic. >> Why is there a sign in the road blocking? >> It's a detour sign for vehicle traffic >> and it's blocking the bike lane >> that you can slow down and maneuver around. You're telling me that you can ride your bike. Mind you, you were riding your bike with no hands the whole time I was behind you. So, if you're so good at riding your bike with no hands, then I have no problem believing that if you put your >> Once backup arrived, the officer launched into a long speech about how easily David could have avoided the construction barrier. He even pointed out that David had been riding without his hands on the handlebars earlier. So what? I ride a bike without holding the handlebars sometimes, too. Does that mean he's some dangerous criminal walking free? Does that mean I'm a dangerous criminal walking free? >> Hands on the bike that you could go around that minor little sign right there. >> Yeah, you should have done that when I gave you a nice warning and told you to get out of the street. But no, you think that you're Mr. Law Johnny Awesome and you know everything. Walk over to this officer's car and give them all your information or you're going to get another charge for resisting obstructing. >> Make sure he doesn't have any other weapons on him. >> Yeah, I'm good. Riding down the middle of the lane. No hands on the bike. Just acting like he's some BMX star, right? I give him a nice warning. Hey, you got to be in the bike lane, dude. No, I don't. It's closed. Yeah, dude. Uh, >> the officer continued performing for the other cops, portraying David as some reckless cyclist who simply refused to cooperate. Every detail became more dramatic than the last. And by this point, the story sounded less like a traffic stop and more like a documentary about the world's most dangerous bicycle rider. He rides without any hands. Meanwhile, the original question remained unanswered. Was the bike lane actually usable or not? >> You got to move out of the way. Bike lane. No, I don't have to do nothing. The bike lane's closed. Makes me come all the way back here because he says this sign is telling him that the bike lane is closed and that he look at he cannot maneuver around that sign right there because it's too dangerous. But yet he's in the middle of the lane with no hands riding [snorts] down the street like he's on a 10-speed in in uh Palm Beach like some beach hippie swerving around. And then he wants to give me the uh well I don't have to provide you my information. Uh this is a non-stop and frisk state. You don't have any reasonable suspicion to stop me just being a clown. You got any other weapons besides this knife? >> While searching David, the officer shifted into lecture mode. He complained about citizens refusing to listen to police and insisted that challenging officers never ended well. That statement revealed far more than he probably intended. Plus, if this officer wanted people to respect him that badly, maybe he could have spent a little time thinking about changing his approach. >> Uh, there was one in there. Man, you have a hard time listening, don't you? >> Do you have any other weapons besides that knife? >> Oh, you already grabbed it. >> Yeah. No, that's >> man. >> Got me out here blocking trucks all because you don't want to listen. Let me tell you something, man. I don't know where you guys get this attitude that you don't have to listen to the police. It never works out for you guys. Plenty of officers spend years talking about deescalation. Yet, some traffic encounters somehow grow into full custody situations before anyone stops to ask whether the underlying violation ever existed. And the deeper this went, the more expensive this stop was about to become. >> I'm going to move my truck so this guy can go around. Once you get him in the seat, we'll pull off a little bit. Why you in this? Yeah, man. Appreciate it. 470. We're secure. Thank you. The officer returned to lecturing David about arguing with the police. He repeatedly emphasized his decades of experience as if years on the job automatically settled legal disputes. Plus, if he really had that many years of experience, well, he should have known the difference between serious crimes and something so minor that this many officers didn't need to be involved. Then again, it seemed like they were more interested in boosting their own egos than focusing on anything that actually mattered. No more weapons. >> I don't believe so. >> Anything with his name in there yet? >> Did he give you his name yet? Where you from? >> I really don't understand why people think that you can just act however you want to act, especially when I'm giving you a break. A traffic law doesn't suddenly change because someone has worn a badge for 30 years. That's probably disappointing news for officers who treat experience like a magical superpower. And the more he kept talking about how experienced he was, the more he exposed a problem within his department because it clearly seemed like this kind of behavior had become standard practice. And if you thought this case was about to end, you'd be mistaken. This tyrant was just getting warmed up. >> All you had to say was, "Yes, sir, and move over and let me pass." But for some reason, you've got it in your head that you're going to argue with the police and somehow that's going to turn out good for you. How how do you how do you rationalize arguing with somebody who I've been a police officer for almost 30 years. Do you think arguing with me about something so petty is going to turn out good for you? Or do you think that maybe you should have just said, "Yeah, he's right. Let me get out of the middle of the road and move on about my day." >> I'm going to say something. >> Okay. Well, you're going to give this officer your name right now and then we're going to go from there. >> Sir, what's your what's your name? Do I have to? >> Yes, you do. Or it's a or it's another charge. >> Okay. We're under duress and coercion. >> Oh, you know what? There's no duress and coercion because nobody's hurting you. >> You are you are lawfully detained for ignoring a lawful order of a police officer. And for your information, my reasonable suspicion for stopping you is not reasonable suspicion. It's probable cause. Because I observed you violating an infraction in front of me. The officer doubled down and insisted he had probable cause to detain David because he personally witnessed a violation. David continued disagreeing and mentioned speaking with an attorney, but that seemed to be a problem, too. At least if you asked these officers because they apparently hated nothing more than citizens refusing to agree with them. Can you imagine how much ego was involved here? >> Do you understand? So, if you want to play jailhouse lawyer with me, you're about to get another charge of resisting, obstructing an officer and failing to uh give your name. Do you understand? >> I'm trying to give my name. I'm just saying it's under duress. >> Okay. You It can be under duress all you want. So, go ahead and give your name before you catch another charge. Sir, >> get your name. >> You ever had a license? >> Have I ever? >> Yeah. name is your first name or your middle name? You >> know, that's why he hangs out out here. >> Should call Allan Park and see if they want them. >> Were these all issued to you when you were on a >> bull? All they're all for traffic. >> Yeah, driving. The officer insisted that enforcing the law required him to act while David argued that the law was being misapplied. At this point, both men clearly understood that the real fight would happen in court. The difference was that one of them seemed very confident about the law, while the other seemed very confident about himself. Still, someone needed to remind him that there's a reason it's called law enforcement, not personal ego enforcement. 411 has a 9300 um from 2175 Detroit Avenue in Lincoln Park and we are making that address escorting um the victim to recover. >> What's his last name? >> Pletz. Mr. Let's think that I have authority over you out here as a as a government official of the state of Michigan, the city of Detroit, >> unless the law provides, which I don't think it. >> I am a duly sworn officer. >> That's breaking the oath. >> It's breaking the what? >> That that is breaking. >> Where did you go to school? Your oath. What oath did I break of yours? >> Your oath? >> No, it's actually breaking my oath if I allow you to break the law in front of me and don't act. >> If you exercise color of law, [music] >> I'm exercising my sworn duties to uphold the laws of this city and the state, which you were in violation of after I gave you a warning. I mean, we can agree to disagree. >> I would love to have you disagree this in court before a judge. >> I think I'm going to I >> I I would love to hear this. >> Going to contact the lawyer. >> Good. >> Things became increasingly personal as the officer brought up David's prior tickets and mocked his understanding of legal terminology. But what did any of that have to do with the stop that day? If something had already been resolved, that usually means it should stay where it belongs, you know, in the past. At that point, it wasn't even clear why the officer kept dragging this out. if his goal was to waste everyone's time. He was doing an excellent job. >> I hope you do because it's all recorded. And again, I don't understand where you get this this understanding that you can just do whatever you think you want to do when you're lawfully stopped by the police. But but you keep that up and you see how that works out for you cuz apparently it hasn't worked out for you in Allen Park either where they gave you tickets for the same thing. >> It wasn't the same thing. >> Impeding traffic. >> I explained to him that I was driving. >> Oh, okay. Well, you like to impede traffic whether it's in a on a car or on a bike. >> No, actually that impede traffic was for lawfully turning left on a yellow light because I was in >> Okay. Did you argue that one so vmily with Allen Park >> and the cop exercise his color of law authority over? >> Okay. So, you've been arrested a few times. >> No, I didn't cuz I didn't have the means to >> Oh. So, what do you just sit on the internet and look up all these legal terms because you think you're going to intimidate police officers with your legal jargon? >> Nice. So, it's discriminator. I'm sorry. You asked me something. I'll just um put in there that I gave him uh several uh warnings to use. >> While completing paperwork, the officer began giving advice to fellow officers about dealing with citizens who use legal terminology. According to him, anyone discussing rights or statutes was simply trying to intimidate police. That mindset explained a lot. Imagine treating knowledge of the law as suspicious behavior while enforcing the law for a living. That's like a mechanic getting offended because someone understands how an engine works. bike lane. He refused. >> I did not. >> Yeah, you did. You actually argued with me. >> Understand why I have to use the bike lane when it's blocked on. >> It's not blocked. Okay. >> 90% of this of of the lane in the road was blocked. You would say that's not blocked. Is that not 90%? >> I'm sorry that you can't maneuver your little bicycle around that little thing right there. If you can't see that with this, look at this street light so brightly illuminating that little thing. >> Okay. Well, next time >> maybe you need glasses or something. Maybe you shouldn't ride your bike without glasses. this time on my way to work on my way home from work. I'm going to ride over there my leg and then sue the city. >> Okay. So, I got it all on video now that you're attempting to defraud the city by making a false lawsuit because of your own incompetence. >> You said it was fraud. Who said I wouldn't accidentally hit it? >> The fact that you just told me you're going to do it is not an accident. So, I'll key mark that on here. >> Because I do something doesn't mean it won't happen as an accident. >> Yeah. Okay. I hope that works out for you because now that's a felony fraud case. >> Yeah. Go ahead and roll this guy's window up. >> Good luck with that, buddy. Just issued uh several warnings. Refused. uh got uh got argumentative about the uh bike lane, refused to give me his identification, and then that's when I called you guys over. So, >> initial. >> I wonder if he just sits at home looking up stuff on the internet to But hey guys, this is a perfect example of someone who's going to throw a bunch of legal jargon at you to try and intimidate you. So, when they do that, just make sure you know what you stopped him for and tell him cuz he wanted to sit here and argue with me about everything under the sun. So when you got your probable cause, >> the officers continued chatting among themselves and laughing about the encounter while David remained detained. The tone suggested they believed the matter was completely settled. Confidence is great when you're correct. It becomes much riskier when video evidence exists. Did these officers really not worry about the consequences like you know potentially losing qualified immunity? >> You're good to go and just stand by it. >> What's your 236148? >> It didn't come up when you put my last in. No, it's still >> Oh. Does it come up by my badge? >> I tried. Sergeant. >> Oh, yeah. In front of the badge. >> Yeah, that's how mine should come up. Where do you got it? I don't know what time >> 148. >> I'm surprised it doesn't come up when you type me into the box. Try S88 and see if that comes up. >> Yeah, that's why I'm a fan of the old tickets. It would have been done by now. It doesn't come up if you put my name in there at all. >> No, I I believe you. >> What about if you put the pension number in that box? >> No. Oh. >> The officer claimed police never bothered people who were simply minding their own business. [laughter] Hang on a second. and warned David about learning the law from the internet, which you know is interesting because that's literally literally what he had just done. Was he really so delusional that he thought simply saying something would make it true? >> He had nothing on. Oh, that's also he goes he goes I can't see this. I said, "Well, if you're riding at night, maybe you should turn your little headlight on so that you could see obstructions." Well, I don't want to. Okay. Okay. >> Yeah. All this traffic, all this road construction to put these bike lanes in and then they don't want to use them. >> Find it. >> Awesome. >> Sure, why not? and roll his window down real quick. Mr. Platz, never once in my 30 years as a police officer have I ever bothered anybody that was just minding their own business. Okay. So, when you're out here doing the right thing, the police don't bother you. Next time a police officer asks you kindly and gives you a warning and they're polite to you, you should probably just take it and listen and stop trying to be a jail house lawyer, stop trying to tell officers that you know the law better than them because all this stuff that you're spewing is just going to get you in more trouble. >> The citation was finally issued and the stop came to an end. The officers drove away believing they had taught David a valuable lesson about authority. What they didn't realize was that every statement, every assumption, and every argument had been preserved on camera. Soon, those recordings would land in front of a judge whose job wasn't protecting egos or winning roadside debates. >> One day, one of these days, you're going to sit here and actually resist an officer under this uh internet legal stuff that you guys look up. And you're going to end up getting hurt because what you're doing is no good for yourself. Okay? I wish you the best, but you need to like read a book about what authority we really have out here. >> Here's your ticket. Thank you guys. Radio 470. Yeah, >> show me clear OD. Thank one for the assist. 47. Thank you. >> When the case finally reached trial, the judge reviewed the body cam footage and examined the construction zone far more carefully than the officer ever had. And the evidence supported David's argument that the bike lane was obstructed, making his decision to ride outside it lawful under the circumstances. The court found him not responsible. Unfortunately, the officers still hadn't faced any consequences, at least not yet. And if you think they were the only ones who deserved punishment, well, let's move on to the story of the officer who arrested a man over a secondary charge. What started as a guy filming outside a federal prison quickly turned into one of those encounters where everyone seemed to have a different understanding of the law. The cameraman had pulled over near FCI McDow after his vehicle overheated and began recording from the roadside. Prison staff didn't appreciate the attention. State troopers got involved and within minutes the conversation turned into a heated debate with a clueless officer. >> Hey sir, how are you? >> How are you? >> I'm doing well. >> Doing all right. >> You mind if I start my camera? >> That's fine. My camera's going as well. >> All right. Good. What's your name and badge number before we get started? >> It's Trevor Jones with Can you step back? >> Hey, first of all, let's get something. Your name, sir? >> Uh, Tuga. >> Your your real name? I don't have to give that to you. >> All right. >> I haven't broken any laws. >> Yes, sir. Actually, this is this is federal property. This doesn't >> That's federal property. This is a public road. >> No, sir. You're parked on that side of the road. >> No. See the fence there? >> Again, sir, would you let me Would you would you call me? Would you allow me to explain? >> This is an Eastman, sir. Would >> you allow me to explain? >> I'm allowed to park alongside the road when my vehicle breaks down, right? >> Okay. Is your vehicle broke down? Absolutely. >> You need a tow truck? >> No, sir. I don't. It's overheated. >> Okay. Again, like I said, this is federal property. Everything on this side >> No, sir. That's wrong. You're incorrect. >> No, sir, it's not. >> You're incorrect. But again, >> this is called an easement. You have 15 ft from the center of the road for people to walk, right? >> No, sir. It's not. >> No, sir. There is no sidewalk here. >> It It's not the way it works. >> You're wrong, sir. I'm telling you. I've done this all over the state. I've done this all over the country. There is >> I'm sure that you're you >> There's an easement. That is not federal property. See the fence? It says do not trespass. >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. It doesn't say do not trespass here. >> First of all, calm down. You see that? >> Hey, Trooper begs, go talk to them. Ask them how many times they've asked >> right away. Both sides were arguing about whether the roadside belonged to the prison or the public. What caught my attention was how quickly the trooper jumped from asking questions to confidently declaring ownership of land he hadn't actually proven belonged to the prison. And it's pretty sad when someone who's supposed to know the law doesn't even seem to understand the difference between public and private property >> to leave. >> Do you see that? >> And go from there. I can see I can see the film. >> That is do not trespass. >> Yes, sir. But again, all this in front of this >> No, no. He's telling me not to film. And he said, "I can stand here." >> Yeah, you can stand here. There's no what what you're filming. There's there's no issue with that. We're trying to get to the the bottom of it to make sure there's nothing else going on. >> Yeah. >> This is public property. >> Like I said, what I'm trying to get at, okay, if you would sit and just calm down a minute, I'm sure that you've gone around the state. You've had other incidents with officers >> a very very long time. I' I've filmed federal buildings. I've filmed prisoners. >> And there's no there's no law against that. Okay. That's exactly right. >> What we're trying to figure out is if there's a trespassing complaint. Okay. There's no there's no issue. Trespassing sign right there. North fence. >> Yes. >> Is there one here? >> Like I said, the the property line runs all the way over to the road. >> They have Is this their property right here? >> Yes, sir. If it's federal prison, >> it's an easement. >> No, sir. That's not the way that work. >> This is state property right here. >> Yes. This is federal property. Okay. >> That's federal property right there. >> Soon as you come up the road here, everything >> GIS survey. >> Everything on this side, federal property. GIS. >> Everything on this is >> I have checked the GI. I don't do this without making sure that this is public property and where not to go. >> Would you allow me to explain? Certainly. >> Okay. Again, we're trying to see if there's a trespassing complaint, but you're getting excited over nothing. You're trying to go somebody into trying to violate your rights so you can sue. This isn't [music] This is >> See, there you go. >> This isn't my first rodeo with incidents like this. >> You're assuming again, aren't you? The discussion became increasingly frustrating as the trooper repeatedly claimed the prison owned practically everything visible in the area. Apparently, the mountain, the roadside, and probably half the country were all federal property according to this theory. Honestly, if this didn't make you laugh, I don't know what will. If this officer really thought that sounded logical, I'm speechless. I just got nothing to say to that. >> Just like you're assuming that I'm here to arrest you or do something like that. >> Well, you that's their property right there. Actually, all this in front of us is their property. That mountain right there is their property. >> It is not. That's ridiculous. That's the most ridicul. Come on, dude. You're going to be a You're [laughter] going to BE LAUGH. THEY'RE GOING TO LAUGH AT THAT ONE. OH MY GOSH. Can you say that again? >> Again. >> That mountain over there is >> Yes. Everything up here is federal property on this side of the road. Not on this side. >> No. Listen. Yeah. Listen. There's a There's at least a 15t. >> It's not It's not a 15 or 25 depending depending on what size of the road is. Okay. If you've done the research, 15 or 25 or if I'm riding my bicycle, >> they have the government has to provide a walkway. Correct. Or an emergency pulloff. >> The And that's what the roadways for. If you There's no there's no bic there's no bicycle lanes here. >> That's right. That's why you have to walk on the easement. >> So again, like I said, >> if the government put a bicycle lane in here, it'd be different or a sidewalk. >> Like I said, >> otherwise I can't walk on the road because it's illegal. No, there's no there's no law against walking on the road. No, there's not. You have to yield. Did you you took your driver's hand? Correct. You took your driving test. I'm sure in the driving book it says you have to yield years old, man. >> Then you know you have to yield to pedestrians. Is that correct? >> Correct. >> Okay. So, if I'm walking on the road like this, that's >> The cameraman pointed out that people have a legal right to travel through areas where no sidewalk exists while the trooper tried to explain why that didn't apply here. Okay. What do you think would happen if we asked this officer which law actually proves that? I bet anything he wouldn't know the answer. >> Shielding to a pedestrian. >> You have to walk on these >> again. >> Otherwise, you could get a ticket for walking in the road. >> That's all for sidewalk is provided for you. Okay. >> There there is no sidewalk provided. So, >> Exactly. So, there wouldn't be a citation there. Okay. All right. So, again, what we're trying to figure out is if there's a trespassing complaint. Do you understand that? There's no law against you feeling or anything like that. >> You tell me under threat of arrest. I'm >> Did I say that? I never said that. I'm said we're here to I'm said I'm investigating a trespassing plane. Okay. That's what we're trying to figure out here. So, like I said, you video, there's no issue with that. Okay. But right now, we're here to investigate >> warning me that you're going to arrest me for trespass. >> I never said that. >> I will leave and I will take this up in court in a civil court with you and uh the government. >> And again, that that's that's what we're getting to the last resorts we have to use when we want to do an investigation on [music] a prison. >> No, sir. The investigation I'm >> I'm an invest I'm an investigative journalist. Do you have your ID on you? >> Do you have your investigative? >> Do you need a PR? Do you need a a ID [music] to look for first amendment speech? >> No, sir. But if you're >> It's the same thing. The press is the first amendment, dude. >> Yes. But normally with the the press and everything, they have ID, right? >> That's mainstream media. That's not press. >> No, that that isn't, sir. Anytime that you have to you have to show ID. You have to show ID when you go to public things. You do cuz I've >> What government entity issues the press pass? >> Again, sir, [music] I'm trying to depend on decide whether or not you're trespassing. journalist doing a story on this jail. >> Okay, that's fine. There's >> The cameraman explained that he was acting as a journalist and didn't need a governmentissued press pass to exercise First Amendment rights. And he's absolutely right about that. Constitutional rights were supposed to protect him. And yet, someone who had sworn to protect those rights was now detaining him. I don't know about you, but something here just doesn't add up. >> So, there's nothing wrong with that. Have you set up a performance to talk to anybody? >> I do. That's why we have the First Amendment right to press. >> Yes, exactly. the right to say [ __ ] you if we want to. Not saying you. >> Yeah. So, I understand that. But do you understand? I'm here to >> I don't need a a license to film. Filming is not illegal. I'm investigating and disseminating information as the press. You do not need a press pass. >> No. So, there's no law against filming. So, again, you ask me for a press pass and I am not going to give it to you because I don't need one. >> Did I? Okay. You don't have to give it to me. Again, how did uh >> So, let's break it down. Again, we're here on a trespass. >> I got other places to be. I got I got other places to film. >> So, if you're gonna threaten to trespass me >> again, we're here to investigate. So, again, I'll need to see your driver's license. >> No, I did not. I did not break any law. >> First of all, let me break something down for you. Under the state of West Virginia, not break any law >> under the state of West Virginia. I can just not ask it. >> You have to reasonable particular suspicion to ask for Listen, >> we're here to investigate a trespass right attorney is John Brian. >> I'm very familiar with Mr. >> Okay. John's my attorney. Okay. So, if you want to rode around with John for a while, he'll take you to town. >> That's fine. Again, I'm going to ask you your for your driver. >> I don't have it on me right now. >> What? Can you tell me what your name and date of birth? >> I'm I'm I did not commit a crime. >> Again, this is an investigation. >> I am allowed to leave. Once >> everything finally boiled over when the trooper demanded identification and announced that the cameraman wasn't free to leave. The cameraman continued arguing that he hadn't committed a crime and that he hadn't been lawfully ordered off the property. But unfortunately, the worst part of the situation hadn't even happened yet. The officer pulled out the handcuffs and what followed was a clear abuse of authority >> to leave by a law enforcement officer. >> They asked you to leave early now. >> No, sir. You're not until you identify. >> All right. I'm just going to sit here and remain silent. >> All right, sir. Go ahead and put your hands behind your back. >> You're under arrest for obstructing. >> Do you want me to give you license give you my license? >> Sir, please put your hands behind your back. >> That's in the car. >> Please. Behind your back. Put your other hand back here. see your cuffs. He's a bigger guy. I don't want his >> Thank you. >> I don't want him. Uh, also take his GoPro and his phone. That's going to be taken as evidence. We'll get a search warrant for it as well. >> Is that too tight? No. Yes, it is. >> Oh, Justin, I'll lock him down on you. Okay. >> My license is in my car if you would let me get it. >> Uh, we're we're past this, sir. I tried to explain to you this is we're trying to decide on what a trespass go. >> No, sir. It's too late by this. In order to leave, I have to leave. >> Did I didn't give you an order to leave. >> That's right. You haven't given me an order to leave yet. >> Never got to that point. >> No, you didn't. This is an investigation. You're under >> See, I have to be warned to leave first by you. >> No. And then once you >> That's not the way that works. >> Once you see Yes, it is. >> You see these? You see this C right here to leave? They want to film. >> These are the There's no law. No law against filming. >> That's what I'm saying. This is one of Isis. >> Listen, >> who who is Willis I talked to? They never told me that I had to leave. >> Uh, go ahead and >> They never told me I had to leave. >> Like I said, that will be >> They told me to stop filming. >> While placing the cameraman in handcuffs, the trooper ordered officers to seize his phone and camera as evidence. Evidence of what exactly? Standing on a public road where anyone can be, you know, walk or just do about anything else. I'd really like to hear what they were claiming to investigate. By that logic, they should also be searching the phones of people walking through a park and recording themselves playing with their dog because that would be pretty much the same thing here. >> Well, like I said, and I asked you for your ID and anytime there's anytime there's an investigation, they never >> you have to identify. Okay. >> Let let me give you >> Mr. Bryant will be able to tell you all about this. >> Let me listen. In order to trespass arrest, >> you're not being you're not being arrested for trespassing. >> What am I being arrested for? >> Obstructing. Failure to identify when I ask you. No, no, no, no. You have to [ __ ] have a a crime first. >> And that's what we was trying to identify. >> And you didn't get to the trespassing part. >> Exactly. Cuz you wouldn't allow us. >> Well, you can't give me You have to give me a warning to leave first. >> No, sir. You're not being charged with trespassing. >> Yes. >> Not being charged with trespassing. >> You're not What am I being trespassed with? >> You're not being charged with trespassing. You're charged being charged with obstruction. >> Obstructing what? What crime? >> Obstructing officer by failure to identify. >> A failure to identify as a secondary a secondary charge. >> Take that off, sir. that you have to have a primary charge first. >> You have to have a primary charge first. >> In the state of West Virginia, anytime do you want me to talk or do you want to keep doing? >> Well, the thing is I haven't been warned to go yet. >> In the state of West Virginia, anytime there's a criminal investigation, you have to identify yourself when police officer. Okay. There's Supreme Court law on that. >> There is Supreme Court law. >> So, walk over to my car. >> Thank you for putting hands on this. >> Yeah. Yeah, I'm not going to do it. I'm going to tie. I'm going to make sure. >> The confusion got worse once the trooper finally revealed the charge. It wasn't trespassing at all. It was an obstruction for refusing to identify. Wait a second. Weren't they supposedly investigating whether trespassing had occurred? The cameraman immediately pointed out that obstruction generally requires underlying lawful investigation. But it seems this officer might have slept through a few lessons during training. >> Can you get my wallet? I need bail money. >> I will. >> It's in my vehicle. >> You got my keys, Tro. and lock my vehicle up, please. >> Uh, your vehicle is actually going to be towed because we can't leave it here. If something happens to you, we will be >> held out for it. Okay. >> You throw bring my cuff, sir. >> You have to have give a person an opportunity to leave. >> You're not being you're not being charged with trespassing. I've already explained that to you. >> You have to let me leave before you came and arrest. You have to give me that opportunity. >> I asked you twice for your ID for >> my ID. You did not tell me to leave. >> Grab that. >> Like I said, you can talk to Mr. Bryant and if you feel like you've been wrong, then he can file his paperwork in court and we can go from there and you have your day in court. Okay. >> You will too. >> Good. It's up there on the top. >> Even after the arrest, the cameraman continued reminding the trooper that nobody had actually ordered him to leave. The trooper responded by telling him to save those arguments for court. Excellent job, really. Arrest an innocent man, embarrass him in public, and send him to court for no valid reason. They might have money to waste on fines and legal proceedings, but not everyone else does. Aren't public servants supposed to serve the people? >> Right there. >> It's about y'all's fault. Like I said, he he's been doing this for a little bit. So, >> we appreciate it. >> That's no problem. Who was Willis that I was speaking to? >> He's in the car here. Let me go talk to him. Go ahead and uh have K&D come up run his driver's license. I also need a triple eye on him as well. You Willis. Okay, come back here so I can talk to you real quick. Okay. >> All right. Here. Uh, I talked to you on the phone. We were dealing with a sex offender registration. You called and you said you had somebody up here that was trespassing and he had asked to leave on the phone. Is that correct? >> Yes. >> Okay. Uh, if you could just from start to finish tell me. >> Now, the troopers started interviewing prison staff to figure out what had actually happened. The arrest had already happened. The handcuffs were already on, yet they were still gathering basic facts. That's usually the part that comes first. Imagine a detective arresting someone for robbery, then asking if anything was stolen afterwards. Somehow this investigation was moving completely backwards >> and what you did. >> All right. So, first got obviously got notification from operation that there was a gentleman. Okay. And then just to just to just to clarify, everything on this side of the road is federal property. Is that correct? >> Everything on this side cuz we used to have a lease over here for hunting. All of this is state property. So this doesn't have anything to do with the federal property. >> That's correct. Right. Everything on this side federal property. Correct. Okay. Go ahead. >> All right. So he's sitting down there. He's got his camera up. I go down there, approach him cuz like I said, I respond to someone who's filming. Yeah. >> Outside of the printer. >> Uh ask him what he's doing. He said my [ __ ] business. >> Yeah. >> You know, he's very combative, very argumentative. He said, you know, leave me alone. I don't have to say this, don't say that. That's where you can't film Total Correction Institution. You're on to federal property. >> And where was he at when you first came in contact with >> the bottom of the hill? >> Was he on this side of the road or was he on this? Was he on the side of the road where the institute was or was he on? >> He was like parallel. He's in the middle. Okay. >> Right. So, at the time he's got his tripod set up on his car filming. Don't first make contact. >> Yeah. >> And then of course he's being combative argumentative when operation 10 operation went down. Then he kind of starts at one point he comes over here comes over the side like he he's moving all about. So the entire time was he on on the property. >> The first prison employee claimed the cameraman was standing on prison property. Then he admitted the guy had also been near the road. Then he started talking about where he thought the property line was. At this point, nobody seemed interested in facts anymore. Everybody had a theory. Honestly, if confidence alone determined the property ownership, these guys probably would have claimed ownership of the moon before this conversation was over. >> He was you was you here as well? >> Yes. >> Okay. So, he >> uh when I came down, he was right in the corner on our property. >> Okay. So, again, I I spoke to him. Everything on this side of the road is federal property. That's that's the way it's always been understood cuz there was a lease over here and this is state property on this side, right? So, everything over here is federal property. Okay. Is there anywhere? >> Let me let me finish talking to him and then I'll talk to you. Okay. >> Okay. So, what what happened next? >> Uh so forth in operations gets in response. He makes contact with him. Same response. Uh the whole time general augmented the battle. Uh then he starts moving his vehicle, moves his equipment. Then he comes up on the tie and at that time he is his car is parked out step out. >> Okay. >> Uh he begins filming again. Uh then he gets angry at that and he comes up here. We move here to monitor his activities. >> Uhhuh. >> He's on this side of the road again. >> Okay. On the on on y'all's property, right? >> He's right over there. Then when y'all make contact, what's the last location? >> Okay. Okay. Did you ever ask him to leave yourself? >> Yeah. >> Okay. How many times? >> I asked him, like I said, when I first made contact, ask him what he's doing. Told me none of my business. >> I know that you have a FCI McDow cap on. Did you identify yourself as a FCI officer employed with the prison? >> Okay. >> Okay. >> And then >> another prison official claimed he personally told the cameraman to stop filming and leave the area. The problem was that filming itself wasn't illegal. The trooper had already admitted that earlier. So now we had people mixing together filming, trespassing, and property rules as if they were all the same thing. They aren't. >> Leave. And that's when he was very argumental. That's when we came. >> Okay. And then we went from there. All right, I will get your information in just a second and then I'll talk to you real quick. Okay, you can come down here. Uh, are you the lieutenant? Yes, sir. >> Okay, just tell me what happened when you from time you got the call. >> Time I got the call, came down here with Mr. Willis. He is on our corner of our property. >> Okay. >> Um, he asked if I cheered and I said, "Yes, sir." I said, "Can you please stop him in our institution?" And uh, I said, "You can do anything else you want." have no problem. Just please do not film the inmates we have. >> Okay. But he was on on FCI property when he was filming. >> Right. So then he walks towards his car which is now on the road. >> Okay. >> Okay. So then he starts of course threatening. >> When you say threatening, how what what did he say? >> Come on and touch me. I'll show you. >> The prison employee continued describing the cameraman as argumentative and difficult. But how is that even relevant? and relevant to what exactly? Are we now judging people based on emotions instead of facts? And besides, what kind of response did he expect considering the way he approached the conversation in the first place? >> All right. >> Okay. And I'm just going to You're combative. Can you please leave? >> Okay. >> You're awful combative. You're cussing a lot. >> And then he just starts trying to get me. >> So then he moves up here. We move in the field. He's trying to date me on this road. >> Yeah. >> So, I went on our property. >> Okay. >> And um so asked him to leave six more times. >> Okay. >> Um moves up. Ask him to leave again. >> The entire the entire time that he was on um you asked him to leave. It was all on this side of the road. It was all on FCI property. >> I told him he was he was on FCI. >> At any point in time, did he say his vehicle was broke down or anything like that? Did he have say he ever say that he was having any mechanical issues? He didn't say anything like that to you. Uh when he pulled out and moved from from place to place, did you notice anything [music] wrong with the vehicle? Did you know making any smoke? Did you see anything? >> So, a man was arrested for something he was legally allowed to do. And these officers still didn't lose qualified immunity. But the man announced that he planned to sue them. And I'm sure that if karma exists, they'll be the first ones to pay the price. And that brings us to the final case for today. Get ready because we're about to talk about officers with very low IQ. Howard thought he was wrapping up a normal day of maintenance on a rental property he owned with his wife. He had fixed a few things inside the house, climbed into his truck, and started pulling out of the driveway. That's when deputies from the Morgan County Sheriff's Office stopped him before he could even leave. >> I need to find out who you are and what you >> I don't give a what you want to find out. Have I committed any legal obl. >> It's not a traffic violation. That ain't that a >> Okay, then I have the right to go. Is this a consensual stop? >> It's a tier 2 stop. >> What's a tier 2 stop? >> Articulable reasonable suspicion. >> What is it? Of what criminal activity? >> We don't know yet. >> Immediately went off the rails when Howard asked the most basic question imaginable. What crime was he suspected of committing? The deputies responded by admitting they didn't know yet. Wait a second. Isn't that usually the first thing you're supposed to figure out before detaining somebody? These guys had somehow skipped straight to the detention part and planned on discovering the crime later. Genius. >> I already stated I don't want to have a conversation with you. Is this Is this >> Is this consensual? >> It's a tier 2. I explained it to you. >> Okay. What's a tier two? >> ARS. Articul articul. >> What is your articulate the reason of of criminal activity >> here? We don't know who you are. We don't know what you're doing back here. >> Whose property is this? There's three houses back there. You asked about 71. I don't live at 71. >> You live back here. >> It don't matter if I live back here. Maybe I own property back there. That >> That's why we're at >> None of your business. >> Okay. >> Whose truck is this? [music] >> None of your business. Is it reported stolen? >> I don't know. We're trying to figure that out. >> Go ahead and figure it out then. No more questions without a lawyer. That's fine. There's that old [ __ ] There's that older that wanted to jump out of his truck like a Billy badass. >> Again, what's the lawful reason of the detainment? What What crime do you suspect me of committing? >> Criminal trespass. Howard kept asking for reasonable suspicion while the deputies kept repeating that they were trying to figure things out. That's a pretty wild thing to hear from law enforcement. Just imagine a doctor telling you he already scheduled surgery but you know planned to diagnose you afterward. The logic here makes absolutely no sense. >> Burglar. We don't know. That's that's why we're trying to talk. >> So you have no reasonable articulable suspicion of of any of that. >> We do. You're back here. You won't identify yourself. That's why we're just trying to have a conversation. >> There's four cars in that driveway. Maybe one of them don't belong to that driveway. You going to you going to check them out, too? >> Well, we're we're here trying to serve a civil paper. That's why we asked. >> Okay. Go serve your civil paper. >> That's why we asked you. >> Who's Who's a civil paper for? >> A Felix? >> Okay. Is this truck come back to a Felix? >> We're still running. >> It ain't come back yet. >> I'm not trying to be hostile with you. I'm just >> You got me detained for noing reason. I'm noting Felix. I'll give you that. I'm not Felix. That's fine. I believe you. >> Then why am I? >> Howard pointed out that he wasn't the person they were looking for. And one deputy even admitted he believed him. Okay, so let's review. They weren't looking for Howard. They had no complaint about Howard. They hadn't seen Howard commit a crime yet. Howard was still being detained. I don't know about you, but this usually this is usually the part where common sense enters the conversation. Unfortunately, common sense was nowhere to be found. >> Still being detained >> because I told you we're trying to figure out what you're doing back here. None of your business. Have you gotten a call of a complaint? >> No. Not back. >> Then you've got I'm on privateing property. >> Okay. >> So, what do you have to detain me for? >> I've already told you. >> What's your reasonable articulable suspicion? Did you see me break into a house? >> No, I've told you most. >> So, so that's squashed. You have no Raz, dude. >> If we saw you got we saw you broke into a house, then it would be probable cause, not articulable reasonable suspicion. >> What's your What's your reasonable suspicion? that you're back. >> What What did you see me do besides pulling out my [ __ ] driveway? >> You're acting suspiciously in this part right here. We don't know where >> suspiciously. You saw me drive up to the stop and then you made me back up. Forced me to back up. >> We didn't force you to back up. >> You were already halfway into the turn instead of waiting for me to exit. >> Okay. >> Well, we told you what the reason for us being [music] out here in the first place was. >> One deputy finally explained his reasonable suspicion. Apparently, Howard looked suspicious because he was pulling out of a driveway. That's it. That was the big mystery. According to this logic, every homeowner in America becomes a potential criminal every time they back out of their driveway. I'd love to know how many innocent people would end up in handcuffs if that's the standard that actually existed. >> And you have no reasonable reasonable what reasonable officer thinks I was up to no good? >> No answer for him. You don't have a right to my ID. >> You hear him? >> I can't. Fired too many rockets in the service, man. I got bad ears. >> What branch you're serving? >> I don't want to be your friend, man. You've got me illegally detained right now. I want to be free to go. You're violating my civiling rights. >> I want to be free to go. >> Are you a male or a female? >> Are you [ __ ] stupid? >> Are you [ __ ] stupid? [laughter] >> Things escalated when a deputy leaned on Howard's truck and demanded identification. Howard refused and pointed out that simply asking for ID doesn't magically create a legal obligation to provide it. Then came the obstruction threat. Seriously, when are these officers going to learn that obstruction is a secondary charge and that nobody can actually be arrested for it on its own? >> These people are actual clowns. L A R R K S A E N. >> Middle name Romance. >> Or is this? >> Yeah. They said her middle name's Romance. It's >> not his truck. >> It is my truck. >> Well, it's not in your name. >> It don'ting [music] matter. >> Your wife got a car. You're married. She got a car. >> Yeah. >> Is it in your name or her name? >> Her name. >> Do you drive it? >> Yeah. >> But it ain't in your name. >> So, >> is it Is it still your vehicle? >> It's her vehicle. >> You're married, so it's both of y'all. >> Howard continued explaining that he owned property back there and even pointed out that deputies could verify it themselves. Instead, they kept demanding cooperation while refusing to explain what crime they believed had occurred. That's kind of like demanding answers to a test while refusing to show the questions. I swear some things only make sense in the minds of certain police officers. >> Stand there. >> So get your hand off of my vehicle. >> No, sir. >> Take your hand off my private property. >> No, sir. >> It ain't a [ __ ] arm rest. >> Listen, >> I ain't listening to [ __ ] besides you're free to go, sir. >> Cuz you have no legal >> right to stop me. >> All right. In the state of Georgia, I have a right to ask for your ID. >> And I got a right to tell you to kick [ __ ] rocks. >> There's rocks under your feet. Kick one of them. Get on your [ __ ] way >> with misdemeanor or obstruction to take you to jail. Is that >> misdemeanor obstruction of what? What? >> For refusing to cooperate with law. >> You I'm not on a The only time I got to give up my ID is on a on a lawful traffic stop. >> You don't have to be a traffic stop. Ask you for your ID. If you don't live here and you don't belong over here, I have a right to ask. You're a suspicious person. >> All right. Now, now do more of a investigation. Find out who >> find out who owns house 79. find out who >> a supervisor finally arrived and Howard immediately asked the same question he'd been asking from the beginning. What crime was he suspected of committing? Amazingly, nobody had an answer. The deputies openly admitted that they had not witnessed him committing any crime. But that still wasn't going to stop them from staying there instead of simply turning around and leaving. >> Can I please be on my way? >> We've got a supervisor coming. >> For what? Why? What? What criminal activity do you do you suspect me of? >> I've already explained all of this to you. >> Okay, explain it one more time. Explain it for the short bus [ __ ] that Iing am. What criminal activity am I in involved [clears throat] in? Did you witness me doing about to do have done? >> That would be probable cause if we witnessed it. >> So you haven't witnessed anything. You have no reasonable articulable suspicion of criminal activity. >> That is the sheriff himself. So >> embarrassing me in front of the [ __ ] neighbors, man. This is [ __ ] ridiculous. >> What we were trying to do, >> this is [ __ ] ridiculous. Howard pointed out the obvious problem with the deputy's logic. By their reasoning, they could stop literally anyone leaving any driveway and demand identification until they proved they belonged there. That's a pretty terrifying standard if you think about it. For more than 5 seconds and even with the supervisor's arrival, the situation didn't deescalate. So, how are we supposed to expect officers to do their jobs properly when even the supervisor couldn't help calm things down? >> Type of crime. >> You got a description of Felix? >> Do you have a description of Felix? >> Do you have a description of Felix? >> Just his name. Hey, how you doing? >> I'd like to be on my way. >> Let me see your ID real quick. >> For what? What criminal activity have I done besides pull out my driveway? >> So, you do live here. >> I don't live here. No, I own property back here. >> Okay. Well, I need to know you who you are so I can verify that. >> What criminal activity do you suspect me of committing? >> Well, as soon as you figure out what criminal activity I have done, about to do, or am doing. >> Okay, let me ask you. Who lives back here? I don't know. I don't know the neighbors. I don't live here. I own a house here. I rented out. Tenants just moved out. >> They just moved out. The house is empty. I was here to spackle a wall. >> Who was your tenant? >> I don't know their names. >> I'm not answering any questions without without a lawyer present. This is absolutely ridiculous. I'm I'm detained in my owning driveway. >> I don't know that. I don't I don't know. >> It doesn't matter if you know it or not. What What criminal activity have I done? >> We don't know yet. Have you gotten a call about criminal activity here? >> We've had few in the area >> in the area today for this specific for 70. >> Howard explained that he owned the house, rented it out, and had been doing repairs after the tenants moved out. Then came another incredible moment. The supervisor admitted they still didn't know what crime had occurred. Seriously, how many times can someone say that during one stop? At this point, they weren't investigating a crime. They were investigating the possibility that a crime might exist somewhere. 79 or 75. >> The tag comes back to the homeowner back here. >> Am I really getting arrested? >> I don't know. >> Am I really getting arrested, man? I'm just Come on, man. Are you freaking kidding me? Is that being arrested? What's >> that about you? >> Come on, man. Look, here's my ID right here, dude. You you you you've got it out of me. It's right here. It's right here. Please don't do this, man. Please don't. Please don't. Please don't. Here's my ID, dude. >> Stuff out. >> You got to be kidding. >> The deputies finally ran the truck's registration and discovered it came back to the homeowner. Well, that's awkward. The very thing Howard had been telling them the entire time turned out to be true. And instead of ending the stop, though, they doubled down. Then Howard started panicking at the thought of being arrested. And I can't blame him. Watching officers threaten jail while openly admitting they didn't know what crime happened would make anybody nervous. Me, man. Look, I've got her credit card. My ID's right here somewhere. >> Well, let me You ain't hold me up. I got >> I ain't I ain't committ a crime, dude. >> With the misdemeanor obstruction to begin with. >> I haven't committed a crime, man. I'm in my own freaking >> I don't know that. >> I got to move the cooler to to look for my ID. >> Unlike it. It should >> You got to be kidding. It's right there on the floor. You see it on the floor? It's right there on the floor. >> Okay. >> I don't give you consent to search my vehicle. >> Hold on just a second. >> I don't consent to search. >> It's right there on the floor. >> I give you permission to grab my ID. >> Man, I'm so [ __ ] scared right now. This is [ __ ] ridiculous. >> You would appreciate being here. >> I don't appreciate y'all at all for doing this. I'm in my own driveway, dude. I'm in my own [ __ ] driveway. My ID comes back to the same address the car should be registered at. My wife is By the end of the encounter, the deputies had learned exactly what Howard had been trying to tell them from the very beginning. He owned the property. His truck belonged there. And there was no clear evidence of criminal activity. Jesus. If today's cases left you shaking your head, you ain't seen nothing yet. As unbelievable as these moments were, the stories we've lined up for the next video are on a whole different level. Which case shocked you the most? Let us know below and get ready because the next batch is even more outrageous. See you in the next one.