By Joanna Putman
Police1
EDGEWATER, Fla. — Newly released body camera footage shows an Edgewater Police Department officer arresting a “sovereign citizen” who claimed the traffic stop was “illegal,” ClickOrlando.com reported.
The suspect was observed running a stop sign and riding a motorcycle with flashing blue lights, according to the report. When the officer stopped him, the suspect refused to comply, displaying beliefs that laws did not apply to him, police said.
The officer repeatedly instructed the suspect to provide his information or face arrest. Body camera footage shows the exchange escalating, with the suspect demanding a supervisor and asserting his rights:
Suspect: “I study law, and I’m not a dummy, and I know everybody down at that office.”
Officer: “You’ve got two seconds to give me your information, or you’re gonna go to jail. It’s as simple as that.”
Suspect: “Oh wait — hold on, hold on, I want you to repeat that.”
Officer: “Two seconds.”
Suspect: “I’ve got two seconds, or I’m gonna go to jail.”
Officer: “Yep. I need your driver’s license, registration and proof of insurance, or you’re gonna go in handcuffs, and you’re gonna go to jail.”
Suspect: “You know that’s illegal?”
Officer: “It is not.”
Suspect: “It actually is. It actually is. Can you call your supervisor? Call your supervisor down here.”
Officer: “Nope.”
Suspect: “No, you will call your supervisor down here.”
Officer: “Nope.”
Suspect: “I know my law. I know my rights. You cannot touch me.”
When the officer attempted to detain the suspect, a scuffle ensued, and the suspect was taken to the ground while protesting the arrest.
“Why are you cuffing me? What the hell are you doing? What are you doing to me, bro!?” the suspect yelled. “What the (expletive)! I’ve had neck surgery!”
“I don’t care, dude,” the officer responded.
The suspect was charged with resisting arrest without violence, according to the report.
