Photographer’s videocamera confiscated and not returned after being arrested for crossing the line two weeks ago.

AP Photo
(c) 2007 Shari Vialpando

By: Stacey Foster

A Chicago freelance photographer was arrested and his videocamera and still cameras taken from him, the Reporter’s Committee Freedom of the Press says. Police say photographer, Mike Anzalde, refused to stay behind the police line marked with yellow tape about two weeks ago.

According to The Pioneer, a newspaper, Anzalde says the police officers remarks are “absolutely untrue… The video would prove it.” However, the police kept the videocamera because the incident is now "an ongoing investigation." The two still cameras were returned, but the memory cards holding the photos were erased.

At the time of the breaking news Anzalde was covering; he was standing across the street from the incident with his press credentials in the car, The Pioneer said. A police spokeswoman came over while Anzalde was talking with neighbors and gathering the story. She told him he was “not allowed to photograph a crime scene.” Anzalde replied, “fine.”

Later, according to The Pioneer, a family member involved with the breaking story came on scene. Andzalde took out his videocamera. The same spokeswoman came over and reiterated her request - this time she also asked him for his press credentials which he didn’t have on him - but in his car. He was then arrested.

Andzalde was held for nine hours, according to The Pioneer. He was charged with resisting or obstructing a police officer. He is scheduled to appear in court November 19.