Saratoga Springs Police Don’t Get Away With Assault of CopBlocker and Settles Wrongful Arrest

The City of Saratoga Springs released a press statement about the settlement agreed upon between them and myself. A dollar amount, or any conditions of, the settlement are not disclosed per this agreement. The video above shows, from start to finish, how I was treated in police custody. My previous video only had the audio. Now you can see and hear what happened. The first story done on this can be seen here.

In the press release Gregory J. Veitch, the Chief of Police, had this to say:

The City of Saratoga Springs has reached a settlement in the potential civil actions arising from the arrest of Adam Rupeka on May 16, 2015 during which Mr. Rupeka was sprayed with pepper spray by ex-police officer Nathan Baker. The civil issues have been resolved between the City of SaratogaSprings, Mr. Rupeka, and ex-officer Baker to the mutual satisfaction of all parties.Today the police department is releasing police reports and booking room video related to the arrest of Mr. Rupeka and the actions of Police Officer Nathan Baker pursuant to pending FOIL requests.The initial incident was video recorded by Mr. Rupeka and that video has been posted to various socialmedia websites. All police documents and videos will be posted to the Saratoga Springs PoliceDepartment website, www.saratogapolice.org.The actions of Officer Baker on May 16, 2015 led to an internal investigation that resulted in thesuspension of Officer Baker without pay. Prior to a scheduled civil service disciplinary hearing, NathanBaker resigned his position as a police officer. His resignation was effective June 4, 2015.

The actions that are depicted in the traffic stop and booking room videos of May 16, 2015 are not consistent with the policies, training or core values of the Saratoga Springs Police Department. No policy or training of the police department includes the use of pepper spray without warning on non-violent resisting subjects, or the use of physical force, verbal threats or the pointing of a Taser at hand cuffed, non-violent individuals who are in our custody. All officers of the Saratoga Springs Police Department are responsible for the care and treatment of anyone in their custody.

The full document can be seen here. Along with all documents pertaining to this case.

Many people think we do this activism because we are “jerks” and we “get what we deserve”. But ask your self this: When you see a cop in your rear view mirror do you get a warm fuzzy feeling or are you concerned what does he want you for? Do you feel comfortable going up to a cop and ask questions? There is a reason so many people say no to those questions. CopBlockers go out and film the police in hopes that the cops will respect the civil liberties they swore to up hold. There is a problem today and this is a first step in changing how we all get treated.

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