Wednesday, August 27, 2008

ABC News' reporter arrested in Denver

Aug. 27, 2008
Denver Democratic Convention
From ABC NEWS
BRIAN ROSS

ABC producer, Asa Eslocker, was arrested trying to document the massive amount of money Obama has raised. He was taking pictures and film outside the Brown Palace hotel where bigwig Democrats and VIP donors were meeting. Obama camp wasn't happy so they had him arrested via a signed complaint by the hotel. Eslocker, who is a slight non-threatening man, had his credential tag and is heard saying he was on public property and asking what's going on, while the camera crew documents it.

His first mistake was saying to the policeman: "Ok, hold on." in response to "Let's move." And then another policeman says: "No, we're not holding on." and shoves him into the street with active traffic. Then it gets crazy after that.

At one point a policeman with a cigar in his mouth puts his hands around Eslocker's neck (who is not violent or crazy or uncooperative) and then handcuffs him with the aid of another officer , with two in front and two more facing the street. It's nuts. Something tells me they just wanted to get some action to justify the huge amount of money they paid for security. How much did the holding pens cost? And as he is being perp walked the cigar-smoking officer says, "You're under arrest, buster."

From ABC news, BRIAN ROSS: Check out the video.
A police official later told lawyers for ABC News that Eslocker is being charged with trespass, interference, and failure to follow a lawful order. He also said the arrest followed a signed complaint from the Brown Palace Hotel.
The sheriff's officer is seen telling Eslocker the sidewalk is owned by the hotel. Later, he is seen pushing Eslocker off the sidewalk into oncoming traffic, forcing him to the other side of the street.

It was two hours later when Denver police arrived to place Eslocker under arrest, apparently based on a complaint from the Brown Palace Hotel, a central location for Democratic officials.

During the arrest, one of the officers can be heard saying to Eslocker, "You're lucky I didn't knock the f..k out of you."

Eslocker was released late today after posting $500 bond."
I wondered what happened to the film and who at the hotel called the police and at whose request.

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