X Co-director of Eco Advocates Sets Precedent in Federal Court Case
On a sunny day in March 2009 Josh Schlossberg and a friend were tabling and leafleting outside Umpqua Bank at 7th and Oak Street. A short time after a brief conversation between Schlossberg and 2 Eugene police officers, officer Solesbee noticed that Schlossberg was filming the incident. He demanded Schlossberg stop filming to which Schlossberg asserted that he had to right to film. Suddenly without warning Officer Solesbee lunged at Schlossberg in attempt to seize Schlossberg's camera. He then grabbed and wrenched Schlossberg's arms to force him to the ground, and then placed a knee to Schlossberg's neck. He was then arrested and taken to Lane County jail. Schlossberg was later released without charge.
Schlossberg with the assistance of the Civil Liberties Defense Center filed suit against the City of Eugene and officer Solesbee.
Even after a jury of 8 and Federal Judge Coffin found Officer Solesbee guilty of violating Josh Schlossberg's Civil and Constitutional rights on 5 of six counts, Eugene Police Department spokesperson Pete Kerns stated that "Officer Solesbee did nothing wrong".
The ruling also affirmed the right of civilians to film police officers on duty without their consent.