AUSTIN, Texas – Austin police have suspended two police officers who blocked an activist from recording video of a traffic stop.
James Maufrais and Jesse Lane were seen on video in November obstructing and pointing a flashlight at activist Phillip Turner, who has filmed police in various Texas cities and sued at least three police departments in the state after being confronted over videotaping.
Maufrais received a 20-day suspension without pay, and Lane was suspended for 10 days.
Maufrais' attorney on Friday told KXAN-TV that he was caught off guard by someone videotaping him and had returned less than a year earlier from Afghanistan.
Turner told the station that there was "no way" to justify the officers' actions.
Texas law generally allows videotaping of police officers in a public space without permission.
True Crime
The hottest stories ripped from the headlines, from crime to courts, legal and scandal.
By entering your email and clicking the Subscribe button, you agree to the Fox News Privacy Policy and Terms of Use, and agree to receive content and promotional communications from Fox News. You understand that you can opt-out at any time.
