I was the student arrested at the April 10 walkout and march (see related story, “Protesting under the law,” by Caron Alarab, ODE, April 17). Participants and I marched from the EMU Amphitheater to the Federal Building. On occasion, a few individuals, including myself, spilled into the bike lane. We were fully aware of the oncoming traffic and made sure not to block any bicycles or cars invading the bike lane.
We arrived at the federal building after being followed by a parade of motorcycle cops and Officer Martes in her unmarked vehicle. A discussion with a few speakers and a “Circle of Peace” developed in the courtyard. After a half-hour or so, my friend Kelly and I walked back to campus for our next class.
In a parking lot at Fifth Avenue and High Street, Officer Martes approached us from behind. She proceeded to say, “Excuse me, ma’am! I need to write you a citation for blocking the roadway!” Stunned and confused, I asked her what she was talking about. She then began to grab my arm and my backpack when I realized she was the officer in the unmarked car from 30 minutes before. She insisted that I was resisting and should be arrested.
I was read my Miranda rights, handcuffed and tossed over to another police officer. I spent roughly an hour in the Lane County Jail. Political science Professor Jane Cramer posted my $505 bail. Professor Cramer had spoken earlier that day in the courtyard of the Federal Building and felt that I was being targeted by Officer Martes since she holds a recurring record of arresting protesters.
My questions for Officer Martes are:
1. If the protest weren’t happening that day, would I have been cited for committing a similar “crime”?
2. Why did she wait 30 minutes until the first person left the group to act on such violation?
3. Why is it so ironic that Officer Martes is a “peace” officer?
4. Is my First Amendment right to the freedom of speech illegal if it goes against a police officer’s political view?
5. Why is it every weekend night I see some intoxicated student heckling and stammering in the streets? Why aren’t they cited?
6. Why didn’t anyone get arrested or cited at the Peace is Patriotic Rally on April 12?
I felt this arrest was a form of harassment. I was treated unjustly and morally wrong for doing the “right thing,” in my opinion. I believe passionately about my country. After things like this happen, I feel that my country doesn’t believe passionately in me.
Angela King is a junior environmental
science major.