HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – An internal investigation has been launched by police after a man was detained for recording an arrest in Highland Park.
Lawrence Newell said he was walking out of Parkside Coney Island when he saw police arresting a woman, so he began recording.
An officer saw him recording and took his phone. Newell was handcuffed and detained for nearly 40 minutes before the officer returned to speak to him.
"He comes to the back of the police car and he tries to give me this lecture of why I shouldn't videotape officers on duty," Newell said.
"If there is anything happening with our officers doing anything that's incorrect, we want to make sure we investigate that thoroughly because we don't tolerate that kind of behavior," Police Chief Chester Logan said.
Legal expert Neil Rockind said the officer's actions violated Newell's rights.
The officer remains on the job at this time. The chief said he is a 9-year veteran.
"He's a good officer, but he has had some problems, but I don't want to prejudice the investigation," Logan said.
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