Photojournalist arrested in Colorado after environmental protest | dvafoto
Ethan Welty was independently covering the protest by environmental activists and was photographing from outside of the plant’s perimeter and in the crowd that had gathered. He has put together his pictures from the event on photoshelter. Shortly after the four who had trespassed on the plant’s property were arrested and escorted out police approached Welty, who was on property outside of the power plant, and arrested him. All five were charged with 2nd Degree Criminal trespass
Link: Photojournalist arrested in Colorado after environmental protest | dvafoto
It is apparent that Welty wasn’t on the police’s radar until he was pointed out by Xcel. What is interesting is why tehy would have pointed him out, was it that the didn’t want a farther reaching amount of press other than the locals or maybe he stood just a bit too close. The next thought is even as a freelance didn’t welty have some credentials to identify him was as freelance press? It all seems a bit suspicious on both sides.
It was Sloppy police work. However since they had a trespass complaint by the property owner, the arrest was, unfortunately, legitimate. Police are not permitted to hear both sides and decide who is right. Only a Judge can do that. After his hearing with his photos as evidence, he should be found not guilty of trespassing. He might even get the chance to sue the company for at least a $1million. Kudos.