NY State Trooper Threatens Driver Recording Stop: ‘I’ll Find a Way for the DA’s Office to Arrest You’
A New York State Trooper, annoyed that a motorist was recording their interactions, threatened to “find a way to arrest” him during a recent traffic stop.
In the video recorded by John Houghtaling, the trooper — identified as Officer Rosenblatt — walks up to the car and immediately holds his hand up to block the view of his face from the camera.
“Put the phone down,” The trooper tells Houghtaling, who asks the officer “why?” adding, “Am I not allowed to record, officer?”
After asking the trooper for his badge number, Houghtaling asks, “Am I being detained?”
The officer claims he stopped the car for a traffic violation and requests Houghtailing’s license and registration, before once again complaining about being filmed and threatening Houghtaling.
“How about if I see you post this on Youtube, I’ll find a way for the D.A.s office to arrest you,” asks the trooper.
“Is it illegal to record police officers?” Houghtaling replies.
“When I tell you to put the phone down and you disregard what I’m telling you, yes, it is,” said Rosenblatt.
“So am I being detained for recording?”
“Put the phone down.”
“Is it illegal to record officers,” Houghtaling asks.
“Give me your license and registration,” the trooper replies.
When asked why he has been pulled over, the trooper explains “your exhaust is extremely loud, that’s why you’re being stopped.”
The officer then becomes belligerent, sarcastically saying, “Have you got an answer for that?’ before again insisting Houghtaling stop filming with his phone.
The troopers then asks, “What is your issue with always videotaping?” to which Houghtaling replies, “Am I legally obligated to answer that?”
“You’re obligated because I asked, you, that’s why” an angry Rosenblatt replies before stalking off.
Watch the video below, uploaded to YouTube by John Houghtaling:
