An Unlawful Arrest is a Crime

by Will Grigg
Mar. 10, 2014

Oklahoma City resident Robert Biegler heckled a police officer during a traffic stop, which may be a bad idea, but it’s not a crime.

Biegler, who was driving a pickup, yelled “Road rage sucks!” when he saw Sgt. Matt Downing issuing a ticket to a driver at an intersection. Downing abandoned the puzzled driver and took off in pursuit of Biegler, who wasn’t aware he was being followed. After Biegler stopped at a convenience store, Downey pulled up, snarled “You think you’re pretty smart,” threw Biegler to the ground, and stuffed him into his vehicle.

Downing’s supervisor arrived shortly thereafter, and released Biegler. Sgt. Downing, a 15 year veteran, was placed on paid vacation. His record includes several complaints of excessive force, including an assault on a handcuffed suspect that left the victim permanently disabled. He had never been fired, demoted, or placed on unpaid suspension. However, as a result of his attack on Biegler, Downing now faces charges of assault and battery.

An unlawful arrest is an assault and an attempted abduction, and citizens have the right to resist. Sgt. Downing’s supervisor is to be commended for understanding and acting on that principle.