WBRZ-TV reporter arrested, accused of interfering with an investigation

[RedStickChick]

I'm just going to leave this here.

WBRZ-TV reporter arrested, accused of interfering with an investigation and intimidating an officer

A comment made by a WBRZ-TV reporter resulted in his arrest early Thursday morning after he was issued a criminal summons for interfering with a law enforcement investigation, a Baton Rouge police report says.

Brett Buffington, 27, of 11959 Nicholson Drive, was booked on counts of interfering with an officer and intimidating a public official.

According to the report, Buffington interfered with a burglary investigation at the 600 block of South Eugene Drive at about 2:30 a.m. Thursday when he disobeyed police requests to leave the area and took photos using a flash, which diverted the officers’ attention and put “their lives in danger.”

Police placed Buffington in the back of a police unit until the area was made safe, the report says. Buffington was then issued a criminal summons and told he was free to leave, to which he told an officer, “Hope you enjoy the rest of your career.”

The report says the officer took the comment to mean that Buffington would have the officer fired, so the reporter was then arrested and booked into the Parish Prison.

Baton Rouge police declined to give any further comment beyond the report. It is unclear why Buffington walked up to the investigation or where he was going.

When Buffington arrived at the scene, the report says, police advised him not to continue any further so he wouldn’t disturb the police dogs.

Police told Buffington a second time to leave the area, but he instead began taking several photos of the officers and the scene using the flash, the report says.

“WBRZ is working with our employee and the Baton Rouge Police Department to determine the full details of what occurred,” said WBRZ News Director Chuck Bark in an email response.

http://theadvocate.com/news/police/12499801-123/wbrz-tv-reporter-arrested-accused-of

 

[charlie12]

2:30am wonder what his BAC was

 

[oleheat]

Well, at least he got a story.

 

[BOSS351]

What charlie said^^^^^^!

 

[sliguns]

The report says the officer took the comment to mean that Buffington would have the officer fired, so the reporter was then arrested and booked into the Parish Prison.

 

[sandman7925]

Made me think of the movie "Nightcrawler"

 

[Emperor]

The report says the officer took the comment to mean that Buffington would have the officer fired, so the reporter was then arrested and booked into the Parish Prison.

Just so you know, this^ didn't escape me either. Sumbody got some splainin to do!

 

[ta2d_cop]

Just so you know, this^ didn't escape me either. Sumbody got some splainin to do!

It's pretty simple, actually: when cops are working an active scene (especially a felling in progress) with, or without, K9s, get the **** up the street means get the **** up the street. No explanation, no please, no thank you. Carry ass for your own safety. If your to stupid, drunk, or otherwise to do so, we have a duty and necessity to maintain officer safety, scene security, and to protect your dumb ass. When you run your mouth you make it worse. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes

 

[alpinehyperlite]

Sounds like he shoulda shut his mouth and walked away when he had the chance to.

 

[charlie12]

It's pretty simple, actually: when cops are working an active scene (especially a felling in progress) with, or without, K9s, get the **** up the street means get the **** up the street. No explanation, no please, no thank you. Carry ass for your own safety. If your to stupid, drunk, or otherwise to do so, we have a duty and necessity to maintain officer safety, scene security, and to protect your dumb ass. When you run your mouth you make it worse. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes

That's the way I see it.

 

[JHenley17]

Wish this would happen more, especially to some WAFB reporters.

 

[ta2d_cop]

And politicians. I've thrown mayors and council members/parish reps off my scene. I was nice about it but made it clear they would leave either by their choice or mine. I never had to do anything but tell them once. No muss no fuss. Guess the didn't want to look stupid gettin hooked for interfering with an investigation in the city the represent. Bad for business I suppose. Thank you Civil Service.

 

[charlie12]

And politicians. I've thrown mayors and council members/parish reps off my scene. I was nice about it but made it clear they would leave either by their choice or mine. I never had to do anything but tell them once. No muss no fuss. Guess the didn't want to look stupid gettin hooked for interfering with an investigation in the city the represent. Bad for business I suppose. Thank you Civil Service.

Yep it's a good thing you don't work for a SO with no Civil Service.

 

[Magdump]

Lol, this story is just one big bundle of WIN.

 

[LACamper]

Would have been even better if one of the k-9's had him pinned to the ground!

 

[Magdump]

Would have been even better if one of the k-9's had him pinned to the ground!

Lol, Bonus!

 

[Tate]

So "running your mouth" is cause for arrest? Pathetic.

 

[Tigerfish]

Or you could go with
"aggravated stupidity". Either way, I'm good with it. Do as you're told and there wouldn't be any issue.

 

[Rainsdrops]

I have totally non biased question, it's just for my curiosity. Is it against the law to take photos of crime / accident scenes, providing the photographer is on public property? In our age of technology, dslrs, cellphones, tablets, mp5 players everybody is carrying some type of camera and many are looking to post on social media. Is it against written law?

 

[alpinehyperlite]

I have totally non biased question, it's just for my curiosity. Is it against the law to take photos of crime / accident scenes, providing the photographer is on public property? In our age of technology, dslrs, cellphones, tablets, mp5 players everybody is carrying some type of camera and many are looking to post on social media. Is it against written law?

As long as it does not interfere with an investigation in any way, there is no law against it.