On February 7th, 2013, while out for a walk I saw Sebastian County Sheriff’s Department SWAT making a bust. From across the street in a school parking lot, I used my iPhone 5 to take a picture. Officer Bryan D. Fuller saw this and demanded I give him my iPhone along with ID.
At that moment, I began to record the incident due to his aggravated tone and aggressive behavior. I informed officer Fuller I had a right to take pictures and record under the First Amendment. By this time Officer Fuller had approached me demanding my cell phone. I replied,”No Sir”. I informed him I was recording and had not violated any laws. Officer Fuller swung at me, grabbed my arm, and threw me to the grown. Before I knew it four other officers from the Sebastian County Sheriffs Department were on me. I cried out for help as they repeated, “Stop Resisting.” Officer Fuller instructed the officers, “Get his phone”, as they continued their assault. I recorded the entire incident, until kicked in the side, causing me to drop my iPhone. Officer Fuller then hand cuffed me and took my iPhone.
Unless there is an ordinance about photographing from the school property, it seems this deputy over reacted and was not properly enforcing the laws regarding photography.
@dlaxton However, I doubt this was about power and authority.
It seems that this photog has the right to be compensated for the actions of these deputies.
so a fired up SWAT member, after a bust, demands something he has no legal right to as a public servant, then assaults the person and steels it, and gets away with it, subsequently the person was arrested for no reason... and how, may I ask Sir, is that not about power and authority?
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@dlaxton However, I doubt this was about power and authority.
It seems that this photog has the right to be compensated for the actions of these deputies.
so a fired up SWAT member, after a bust, demands something he has no legal right to as a public servant, then assaults the person and steels it, and gets away with it, subsequently the person was arrested for no reason... and how, may I ask Sir, is that not about power and authority?