Resident alleges officer used force to block public filming of tow; council hears public comment

Clearlake — During the public-comment period of the April 7 Clearlake City Council meeting, resident Tony Sarkis described an interaction with police while he filmed a tow of an abandoned SUV and alleged an officer used physical force to prevent his movement.

"Public photography is a constitutionally protected activity," Sarkis told the council. He said he stood on a public road and was filming a flattened SUV being loaded onto a flatbed when the tow-truck driver called police. Sarkis said Officer Diaz initially told him he had the right to record but later stepped in front of him and "actually put his hands on me 3 or 4 times." Sarkis said he had asked whether he was being detained and was told he was not; he characterized the officer's later actions as a civil-rights concern.

Sarkis asked Chief White to improve officer training on First Amendment protections for members of the public, particularly regarding photography and press rights. "All I ask is that Chief White better train his officers about the First Amendment, particularly public photography and the right to free press," Sarkis said.

At the meeting, Sarkis also praised local contractor HD Excavating (identified in his remarks) for cleaning blighted properties. He said he did not intend to sue but wanted improved training and said the officer otherwise "showed very good professionalism" while another unnamed officer was "extraordinarily rude." No council or police department response to the allegation was recorded in the council minutes for that session.

The claim is an allegation recorded as public comment; the council did not take action or open an official investigation during the meeting. Residents seeking follow-up should contact the Clearlake Police Department or the city clerk to request a formal review or to file a complaint.