No, that's where you were was more private. >> Well, yes, sir. You have to cross. It's going to be public access because you have to cross the railroad tracks to get onto that. >> Are you going to give me your ID? Yes or no? >> Are you going to be a problem? >> I don't know. Am I going to be a problem? >> Sounds like it. What are you doing on the roadway? Because I asked you a question. Do you have any ID? Can I see some ID? >> No, sir. >> Okay. >> Demanding an ID without any charges sounds like an everyday thing, but this time the ending leaves the cops embarrassed. on public property at all times. I never entered any private property. All I did was was take pictures out public. I'm >> I still need to see your ID. >> These cops thought that having authority meant they could ask anything they wanted until they ran into a citizen who knew the law better than they did. A citizen was standing on a public road filming a passing train when Officer George approached him. But what doesn't make sense is what exactly were they trying to resolve when all of this was just a camera? Did >> you holler at me? >> Yes, sir. >> What can I do for you? >> Yeah, just hold on. I'm trying to, you know, trying to make some calls. You know, see if uh, you know, this is a situation that I don't run across. You know, I'm trying to figure some things out. So, if you don't mind, just please, >> what's your name? >> What's your name? >> George. >> George? >> Yes. Okay. >> What What situation are you trying to figure out? Uh, you're filming, sir. And I'm trying to figure out if it's okay because, you know, guess we're filming, but you're on public road. So, I'm trying to figure out Hello. Okay. Um, no. Main Street. Main Street. The cops showed up looking completely confused, talking while constantly making phone calls like they were urgently asking for guidance. And right after that, things took an even more unbelievable turn when the simplest question became a problem. Filming in public, is it actually a crime? >> Get this settled. You know >> what are we trying to settle? Well, sir, you're filming and even though you're not on pro for property, but you not you're not, you know, Well, just wait for P police. They have they have more knowledge and they're going to offer you better answers than I >> Okay. So, what what do you think I've done wrong? >> H >> What do you think I've done wrong? >> Filming. The filming part. >> Uh-huh. >> Okay. >> You think that filming out in public is a crime? >> Uh, no. No. See, that's what I told dispatch. >> Yeah. That's what I told dispatch that we're on public road. See, I'm I'm trying. >> Yeah. Did you see me on private property at any time? No, I didn't. >> Okay. I just make sure. >> George, if they're asking you for an address, tell them you're at 500 South Main. That's your address. >> Just 10 years ago, right? YouTube. It's that website is is a part it's a lifestyle. It's a part of it's lifestyle. >> Sure. I I look at YouTube every day. >> So, it makes you wonder what were you doing in 20, you know, 2004 or whatever or before >> before smartphones even. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. I I remember ah here we go, George. >> It's going to be okay. >> Oh, I know it's going to be okay. >> Okay. >> I'm not breaking any laws, so >> No, no, it's going to be all right. No clear charges, no solid evidence. Yet, they still kept the situation tense like a ticking time bomb. And the longer it went on, the more everything shifted from vague questioning to a full-on pressure tactic, tightening the situation into something far more dangerous. >> Do you have some ID? >> Yes, sir. Have I done something wrong? >> No, you haven't done anything wrong. >> I was on public property at all times. I never entered any private property. All I did was was take pictures out in public. I'll tell you what I'm doing. >> Okay. >> That'll help you out. >> Yeah. >> Okay. I'm just documenting what public officials do on public property. Just gathering uh uh information that uh is of interest to the public. That is it. >> Okay. CID. >> Uh if I haven't broken any law, are you are you state or federal? You guys are port police. What is that? >> Yeah, port police. This is port property. All this is port property. >> Can I see your ID? I >> believe this is private. It's uh public property. Oh, that's where you were was for property. >> Well, yes, sir. You have to cross. It's going to be public access cuz you have to cross the railroad tracks to get onto that side. >> You going to give me your ID? Yes or no? >> Could we get a supervisor? >> Yeah, I got one coming. >> Okay. >> Yeah, I got a supervisor on the way. >> Okay. Uh, so far as I know, I haven't broken any law. >> I never said you broken a law. >> Okay, then. >> Never said that. >> Then I don't think I'm required to provide identification. >> I'm sorry. >> I said I don't think I'm required to provide identification if I haven't broken law. Well, when the police ask you for your identification, seeing as though you're on for property, >> Mhm. >> you're not breaking any law. I just need to know who I'm talking to. >> Okay. Well, again, this is >> just like if you can see who I am, I have I have on all this information that shows who I am. I'm asking you the same thing. We can wait till supervisor get here. No problem. >> And what was your name? I didn't get your name. The cops started escalating their demand for identification, pressing harder with constant questions and pressure while the citizen held his ground. If I haven't broken the law, then I'm not obligated to show ID. And just as expected, only minutes later, the situation spiraled out of control. >> How you doing? >> Good. And you are H. Castle. >> That's correct. I'm officer Castle, the Port Authority. How you doing? I >> I've got a complaint. Actually, I can't get either of these officers to identify themselves. And that is a problem when public officials won't identify >> I'm talking. Okay. >> All right. Am I detained? >> Uh, you're you're being detained right now. Yes. >> Okay. >> Okay. For a call that we have and we're trying to identify who you are is what I heard over radio. >> We have a Sergeant McCary on his way. >> Okay. >> Okay. >> Now, you know, by law you have to identify yourself. You understand that? >> Are you a state police or federal police? >> I'm uh state police. I work for the state of Texas. My license is in the state of Texas. >> Yeah. TLO certified. I got you. Okay. >> Okay. So, by law, you have to identify yourself. You understand that? So, what's your name? >> Well, you need Well, here comes the sergeant. Let me talk to him. >> Okay. >> See if we can get this worked out. >> I'm going to ask one more time. What's your name? >> I don't think I've committed any crime. >> Okay. >> I I I have >> You have You have If I ask you for your name and you're not giving it to me, correct? >> Yes. Okay. >> I'm waiting on the sergeant to get here. I'm going let him deal with that. >> You're smart. >> I know. >> You're smart. Cuz I'm not refusing to identify myself. I'm just saying if I haven't broken any law, I don't think I have a need to. >> Yeah, you still have to. I'll try and tell you later, but maybe he can tell to you in a manner, you know. >> Okay. and I'll talk to him and I'm sure we can figure this out. >> Yeah. >> No clear accusation, no specific reason. Yet, the pressure kept rising by the second, making the air feel like it could blow up at any moment. And then when a supervisor showed up in the next part, everyone thought there would finally be a clear answer. But no, instead of a straight explanation, the story took an even more unbelievable turn. >> Sergeant McCary, how are you? >> Good. How are you doing? >> I was doing better before all this started. I mean, all this because I took pictures of a train. Seems kind of silly. >> Now, what's your uh You mind putting that down so we can >> Well, I'm the only person here. I don't see any body [music] cameras or anything, so I think it keep running just for my safety if that's all right with you. >> Okay. What's your name? >> Uh, am I [music] required to get that information? Have I committed a crime? >> We're trying to just get your identification so we know what to call you. >> I understand you can call me good citizen. I mean, if if you tell me I've committed a crime and I'm required, I mean, the 3802 says I only have to identify myself if I've been lawfully arrested. >> Okay, just stand right there for a second. Okay. >> Okay. So, I am detained. >> Hey, >> what's the big deal about taking pictures of a train? I don't understand. >> Well, the big deal is whether it's on port properly. You can't do that. You can't videotape. infrastructure. >> And do you think this is port property? >> No, this is not port property. >> Okay. >> This is a public street. >> Okay. >> Right here where we're standing on. >> Okay. Well, good. So, so we're clear that I was on the public street at all times. That's what I was concerned about. >> Yeah. You're getting on the borderline and uh of the Port Authority property. They don't allow video unless you get it pre-approved. >> Okay. So, just don't go down to Port Authority property, but you're free to go and do your video, whatever you want to do, but this is Port Authority property going that way. >> Okay. >> So, uh where where exactly? I mean, cuz I see public utilities and uh public buildings down there. >> Just just beyond that when the big parking lot by the grain elevator, that's all becomes Port Authority property. >> Okay. >> So, and that's getting close to a restricted area. You can't go beyond that. >> Okay. >> And you definitely can't video unless it's pre-approved. >> Got it. You're free to go. >> Okay. And what was your name? >> Yes. I didn't get your name. >> Officer Council. Thank you. I I appreciate your professionalism. >> It felt like they were about to make it a charge. But then came a very strange explanation. Restricted area, special rules, filming requires prior approval. And that's when the biggest question hits. Are they enforcing the law or trying to hide something? Up next, he was just standing on a public road filming a few simple B-roll shots. Yet, everything got blown way out of proportion. And right at that moment, one seemingly ordinary line suddenly signaled trouble was coming. >> Want to get some simple answers. Otherwise, you're just what you do. >> And I gave you answers. I answered every question you asked me. >> We'll see what he decides. >> Okay. I I think what he's going to tell you is this is a public street and I can stand out here and take pictures all day long. probably will. >> I I suspect that's what he's going to say. >> Is taking Uber a crime? >> Yeah. >> Oh, Uber's good. >> Yeah, I like Uber. >> I do, too. I wish more people would use it. Especially the the weekend drinking crowds. We'd have less less DWIs out there. >> He got here quick. What's going on, man? Not a thing. >> Well, there's obviously something. What are you doing? >> Uh, not a thing, Mr. Gunter. >> Are you going to be a problem? >> I don't know. Am I going to be a problem? >> Sounds like he's going to be a problem. >> Well, we've been getting That's why we called. I >> I don't know why they called. I I answered every question they asked me. >> What are you doing on the roadway? >> I am a investigative journalist. I am out here gathering matters of interest for the public, taking B-roll footage of their building. They got upset about it. Came out. First guy got a little confrontational with me. I got pissy with him. This guy was doing good for a minute and he got kind of pissy. >> Business has been broken into before and they're they have a right to protect their stuff. >> I didn't say there's anything wrong with them coming out and ask me what I was doing. Okay. But I'm broad daylight in plain view making no effort to conceal myself or what I'm doing. >> Okay. Let me let me ask you this. You're right. It's not against the law. But can you admit that it is suspicious and then it's it would raise the, you know, questions of people around here, especially these businesses that do get broken into quite frequently. >> Suspicious activity, is that a misdemeanor or a felony? >> It's neither. >> You did not answer my question. >> Okay. Again, if I was out here doing this, if I was out here, >> do you have any ID on you? >> If I was out. >> The citizen wanted just one simple thing, a clear answer. But the cops kept fixating on the word suspicious as if they were trying to turn illegal action into a problem. And right after that, the situation began to escalate noticeably. What started as a few harmless exchanges suddenly turned into direct aggressive pressure. >> My questions, I asked you a question. Do you have any ID? Can I see some ID? >> No, sir. >> Okay. Why not? >> Cuz I haven't broken the law. In the state of Texas, 382s, I only have to ID if I've been lawfully arrested. Are you arresting me? Oh, he's one he's one of those. He's a legalist. >> Yeah. >> Gotcha. >> Maybe I am, maybe I'm not. >> He told he told us also that we couldn't be doing business with the government. We're going down that whole rabbit hole. >> Oh, I I love these guys. >> I love public. >> He's right. He's He's doing a public roadway. >> Very conspicuous. The only thing he can get in a car, >> but other than that, he's >> Are you serious? >> I am serious. You're the one standing in the roadway. They don't want you here. I don't want you here. You're causing a problem. This legalistic stuff. I don't care. You are You are absolutely right. You are allowed to be right there. You can't step right on their property, though. It's private property. >> Not going to not going. >> You're good. >> I can't do that. >> It It saddens me. It saddens me. >> You're sad. >> I'm sad. >> You're not You're not identifying and you're causing problems here. >> Why do I have to identify? >> You're right. That's okay. We ask you a favor. Please just leave. Just go walk somewhere. Just just let me know if he if he trespasses, he'll go to jail. It's that simple. >> If I see any of my stuff published, >> that's all we can hope for is if he steps right on your property, I will take him. >> I'm not going to get on their property. You're not going to you're not going to have the opportunity to take me to jail. But I'll tell you what I will do. >> Will you do? >> I'll be down at the at the sheriff's office tomorrow morning. >> Tomorrow morning. Okay. >> To meet with the sheriff. >> Go ahead. >> Yeah. Because that attitude >> be careful. There's a car right there that you're fixing to get. >> Did you turn your overheads on? Doesn't policy require your overheads be on? >> My hazard. Okay, we'll have a chat with the sheriff about your attitude because your attitude is all wrong. It's all wrong. >> You hope I get run over by a car. You hope I do something illegal so you can arrest me. >> That is absolutely right. Cuz I can't do anything with you right now. >> I'm done with you. I'm done with you. >> Oh, please. I I was hoping you were done with me 10 minutes ago. I >> I'm done with you. I'm done with you. >> And and I know I know I know sheriff's department's unionized and the union's going to try and protect you and and all that. That's all good and fine. >> That's good. That's not my vehicle. The tension exploded when the deputy dropped vague lines like, "Maybe we can arrest you. Maybe we can't." It sounded like a joke, but it sent chills down your spine. But that still wasn't the part that would make viewers the angriest because just minutes later, the citizen took it to a whole new level. >> Now, I'm going on about my business. I I've wasted enough time here. Like I said, this would have taken me 3 or 4 minutes and I'd have already been gone if they'd have left me alone. >> Okay. So, we have one route for you. >> Okay. Well, I'm walking up there. If he gets to the corner before I do, while I'm waiting for my Uber to pick me up, I I I'll talk to him. >> Probably not. Probably the guy called on the telephone coming to get him, not an Uber. >> The guy I'm The guy was talking on telephone is in downtown Houston on Baker Street right now. >> What address? >> He requested a supervisor >> and my taxpayers's money is paying for that supervisor to drive out here for you and you're not going to wait. That I appreciate that. Thank you. You know, it makes me feel real good about spending my tax money. >> You know what? Okay. >> All right. I'll wait. >> If that's the way you feel about it, I will wait. I will absolutely wait. >> Feel that way about it. I am a taxpayer. >> So am I. >> These gentlemen are out here to protect us and we pay our tax money for it. And as long as that supervisor is coming out of respect, I would hope you would stay and wait for him since you requested. >> I'll wait. >> Okay. All right. >> Call to you. Thank you. >> Appreciate it. >> So you're getting all the attention that you need. >> I don't want the attention. Well, if you didn't want attention, why are you here? >> To get B-roll footage of this building, which is what I've told them from the beginning. >> I got a question for you, Dave. If I didn't have any police cars in here, would you ever videotape my building? >> Are you a government contractor? >> That's not what I asked. >> It's not about the police cars. >> Because that's why you said you were here. You told me. >> It's not about the police car. >> Government contractor. >> You didn't even problem. All we're asking is that you're taking private property. >> Yeah, he's he's he's over on >> and he won't show us an ID. or the last I saw. >> And then when you ask him where he comes from, >> I don't have to show you identification. >> I've been on YouTube. >> You got to get that. >> I guess we just Twitter days. >> We'll find >> Yeah. What's your username? At least give me that. I can look it up and watch myself. >> Give me an email address. I'll email it to you. >> Do that. >> So, you want me to disclose my private information, but you won't even tell us who you are. I don't get all >> I gave him a name. I haven't even asked you. I've never asked you for a name. I gave him my first name. >> The citizens started pushing back harder. No more going in circles. He demanded a supervisor immediately and made it clear he was ready to take it all the way. And just when everyone thought things were about to calm down, the next moment shifted in a different direction, they began controlling his every move, like they were setting up for a sudden final move. >> Giving up ID compromises my identity, which compromises who I am and what I do. >> That's why I won't give my ID. That simple. >> Like I said, I know you're not required to, so it is. But you're telling me the fact that you don't want to, that's you're uncooperative at the very least. But yeah, >> see, I don't see it as being uncooperative. And this is just my take, okay? All I see is is somebody asserting their right to anonymity. >> Well, it's kind of hard to assert anonymity when you're being obvious in public. >> Well, your personal information is not revealed. you're you well unless you've got facial recognition built into your uh you know MBS there and stuff but I don't I know you don't I know Harris County hadn't got that well actually you guys have got some of the uh portable API printers I think there's about eight of those floating around Hickman got them when uh when he was in office >> we do all of us do >> no no there's only like eight of them I think one each went to the constables each constable division um I think I think three or four ended up >> yeah so anyway in control, but I'm not sure now. It's been so long ago. Haven't dealt with any of that in a couple years. >> You know, you could pull your car off in that driveway right there. Make it easier for the >> I don't want to block any of their driveway. >> They don't use that driveway. It's It's all closed up. They just use this one. So, get it out of the street. Make it a lot easier for these guys going by. >> The atmosphere was already tense. like one wrong sentence could make everything explode. And then right after that, everything shifted. A supervisor showed up and it seemed like the situation might cool down. But the next part became the real flash point. The citizen started calling out the deputy's attitude and the way he was handling everything straight to his face. >> How you doing? >> Good. Stand by your car. >> Yes, sir. How are you? >> Okay. Okay. So, >> what's going on? >> Got these guys. I'm not armed. Okay. All I got is a camera. So, I came out here to get some B-roll of the of the building. >> Some what, sir? >> B-roll footage of the building. Okay. I'm I'm an independent journalist. >> I know who you are, sir. >> Oh, do you? >> Yes, sir. >> Okay. So, >> am I? Don't say that. I'm not famous. >> Infamous. >> I infamous. Okay, I'll take that. I'm I'm not famous. I hate people say that. But, you know, my only issue here, okay, I I'm used to dealing with people that are illarmed about what's going on and throwing fits. I I'm good with that. Okay. But, and you can have him come back over here. I'll say what I got to say right in front of him cuz I've already said it to him. That's right. >> Okay. >> Uh the attitude that I got from him, he's standing here saying that he hopes somebody runs me over out here um or that I do something stupid so he can arrest me. The attitude that I got him from him was totally inappropriate. Totally inappropriate. So if you know who I am, okay, then then you know what I'm capable of and you know what I'm going to do with this video. >> Okay. So you know what what's going to happen probably Monday morning. All right. So can I get a business card from you? I I don't have any, but I mean I'll tell you my name. >> I got your name. Sergeant Willis. >> Will Sam24 is my unit number. >> Okay. >> I work out of the district 5 substation. >> All right. So, I don't need to go downtown. I don't need down Baker Street and do a complaint, which they end up in a trash can anyway. We all know that. Unionized police. What can you do? >> But but so we'll just do the line complaint. Let you handle this with him. You know, I understand it's hot. Understand [music] short tempers get short, but that is completely inappropriate. Completely inappropriate. Good. >> All right. Now, I think we're done here, gentlemen. Y'all have a nice day, Sergeant. >> It was good to meet you. too. >> And I I wish wish I'd have met him under better circumstances. All right, have a good day. >> In the end, everything wrapped up with no charges ever being filed, leaving viewers with one infuriating question. If the citizen didn't do anything wrong, then why was he treated [music] like a criminal from the very start? Citizens can sue under section 1,983 when their rights are violated. Officers who break the law may be forced to pay damages and could face discipline or even termination. A safe society isn't one where citizens stay silent. It's one where everyone knows their limits. Citizens have rights [music] and those in power must be held accountable. Hey everyone, what do you think about this situation? If you enjoyed the video, don't forget to like, subscribe, and support us with a donation. Thank you so much.