By Carlos Miller
Texas police tried their hardest to stop photojournalist Nick Adams from photographing an arrest during a Mardi Gras celebration in Galveston County last year.
First they shoved the camera into his face.
Then, after he backed up a few steps and snapped another photo, League City police officer Clifford Woitena hurled Adams to the ground, damaging two $4,000 cameras.
Then Woitena plopped on top of Adams, pushing his knee forcefully into his face.
And finally, after Adams’ was handcuffed, a police officer erased two of the images that Adams took that night.
Last week, a Texas jury acquitted Adams on the misdemeanor charge of interfering with a police officer, according to the Houston Chronicle.
Adams, who was working for the Galveston County Daily News at the time of the incident, is now working for the Appeal-Democrat in Northern California.
He was arrested on Feb. 10, 2007 – 10 days before my arrest for photographing police against their wishes.
He was also offered a plea deal which would have reduced the initial charge of interfering with a police officer to disorderly conduct but he refused.
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2 responses so far ↓
1 Jeremy Brooks // May 18, 2008 at 8:25 PM
Good to hear that he stuck it out and was acquitted.
“Taylor said the newspaper was not asking for special consideration, but defending the right of anyone to take photographs in a public place.” That’s right. Anybody.
2 Keith Skinner // May 24, 2008 at 3:26 PM
It looks as if Texas had two instances recently of violating the rights of the public to take pictures of the police.
When do you think the cops will understand?
The brothers from Houston just taxed the public over $3 Million after you factor in the legal fees + $1.7 Million settlement.
The DOJ , FBI & most AG’s will not hold them accountable so the only way to make an impact is to take them to Federal Civil Court and make certain to sue them personally as well!
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