Word of the Month for September 2025: Interfering with Police

Lately, I've been on a roll finding off the cuff situations to blog about.  One topic that keeps popping up (and, which happens, to be a hot topic) is people being charged with Interfering with the Police.

Of all the things people can be arrested for, this one seems a bit sketchy and subjective and which might lead to a lawsuit (against the po po) if not used judiciously. 

So, how might interfering with the police play out in real time?  Well....

On July 31, 2024, Trooper Myron Jackson of the Kentucky State Police initiated a traffic stop in Franklin County, Kentucky, alleging that the vehicle operated by Christina Calvert had expired license plates. Calvert, upon being pulled over, drove into her daughter, Christen Johnson's, driveway.  As Calvert engaged with the officer, Johnson exited her home and was instructed by Trooper Jackson to return inside (actually the cop flipped out and screamed at her to go back inside her house). 

Despite complying initially, Johnson reappeared moments later, recording the interaction on her phone. Trooper Jackson then flipped out again (I guess he didn't want any evidence against him arresting an old lady) and arrested Johnson for alleged interference with the traffic stop. The entire incident was captured on body camera footage. 

Following the arrest, Johnson faced charges of obstructing governmental operations and resisting arrest. However, in April 2025, a judge dismissed these charges, citing the absence of probable cause.

 

So, what it looks like is the police officer was angry to begin with (probably someone messed with his coffee/donut time) and was looking to exact revenge on whomever it was that had the misfortune of getting in his way.  In this case, it was a lady who was recording what Officer was doing to her mother on her property.  Huh, who'd have thought that was his trigger point?

Well, as most every knows (or should realize by now) police really, REALLY hate it when people start to record them when they are doing (or about to do) something sketchy - like arresting someone for having expired tags.

The problem I have is that is seems in every case I've ever heard of, the go to charge police file against anyone is interference.  It happens so often that it's almost a joke.

So, what constitutes “Interfering with Police?”

While every state has their own definitions and some states use different terms to refer to similar offenses, such as "resisting arrest," "interfering with a peace officer," or "hindering apprehension," INTERFERENCE generally means obstructing, delaying, or hindering a police officer’s lawful duties.  

Examples include:

• Physically blocking or resisting an officer trying to make a lawful arrest or investigation.

• Refusing to comply with "lawful orders" (e.g., to step back from a crime scene).

• Trying to stop or impede an arrest, search, or investigation.

• Providing false information or lying to police when legally obligated to identify yourself.

• Destroying evidence or warning a suspect to flee.

• Using threats, intimidation, or violence against officers.

Ok, that's clear enough but what does not count as "interference?"

• Recording police performing their duties (protected under the First Amendment).

• Verbally questioning or criticizing police conduct without threats or violence.

• Standing on your own property peacefully without obstructing police movement.

• Refusing to consent to searches (you have the right to say no).

• Remaining silent or politely refusing to answer questions beyond providing identification if required by law.

Did you happen to notice that the 2nd and 3rd item on this list is EXACTLY what Christen Johnson was doing when she was arrested for "interfering" with the Officer?  Which all makes the charge of interference sound faaaaar too subjective.

So, how have some of these interference or obstructing police charges generally pan out?

Scottie Scheffler – Louisville, Kentucky (May 2024)

• Incident: Professional golfer Scottie Scheffler was arrested during the PGA Championship at Valhalla Golf Course after a misunderstanding with Detective Bryan Gillis. Scheffler claimed the detective struck his vehicle with a flashlight, leading to a miscommunication.

• Outcome: All charges, including felony assault and three misdemeanors, were dismissed by the Jefferson County Attorney, citing insufficient evidence.

Los Angeles Protesters – Los Angeles, California (June 2025)

• Incident: During immigration-related demonstrations, several individuals were charged with felony obstruction of justice. The charges stemmed from reports by U.S. immigration officers that were later found to be false or misleading.

Vivian Augustus – South Whitley, Indiana (January 24, 2024)

• Incident: 18-year-old Vivian Augustus was arrested during a traffic stop for allegedly refusing to identify herself and resisting law enforcement.

• Outcome: All charges were dismissed by the Whitley County Prosecutor after video footage prompted nationwide calls for an investigation into the officer's conduct.

Ebony Holmes – Norfolk, Virginia (July 5, 2021)

• Incident: Ebony Holmes was charged with obstruction after alleging that a Norfolk officer struck her during a traffic stop.

• Outcome: A judge dropped the obstruction charge after reviewing the case.

Jose “Chille” DeCastro – Las Vegas, Nevada (March 2023)

• Incident: YouTuber Jose DeCastro was accused of obstructing a police officer while filming a traffic stop.

• Outcome: A Las Vegas judge overturned his conviction, stating the case concerned "First Amendment-protected conduct."

Kern – Cleveland Heights, Ohio (October 3, 2023)

• Incident: Kern was charged with obstruction of justice during a traffic stop.

• Outcome: The charge was dropped due to a lack of evidence, supported by body camera footage showing the officer apologizing for the arrest.

Rodolpho Vela Sr. – Harris County, Texas (September 9, 2021)

• Incident: Vela Sr. was charged with interfering with law enforcement after stepping outside his home during his son's arrest.

• Outcome: The charge was dropped due to lack of evidence, and a federal judge allowed a lawsuit against the deputy to proceed.

Ryan and Benjamin Brown – Colorado Springs, Colorado (September 25, 2015)

• Incident: The Browns were charged with interference after being pulled over for a cracked windshield.

• Outcome: The ACLU won the dismissal of the charges, highlighting concerns over racial profiling.

Jonathan Guessford – Delaware (March 11, 2022)

• Incident: Guessford was cited for "improper use of a hand signal" after warning drivers about a speed trap.

• Outcome: The charge was dismissed, and Guessford received a $50,000 settlement for the infringement of his constitutional rights.

Le'Keian Woods – Jacksonville, Florida (September 29, 2023)

• Incident: Woods was charged with narcotics offenses following a traffic stop and foot chase.

• Outcome: All charges related to narcotics were dropped, and he only faced a minor charge for running.

Teenager from Cromwell – Cromwell, Connecticut (June 4, 2025)

• Incident: A 19-year-old was arrested for allegedly speeding over 130 mph during a traffic stop.

• Outcome: All charges were dropped after body and dash camera footage contradicted the officer's account, leading to an apology from Connecticut State Police

Given the fact that so many drivers can be classified as "lookyloos" and "rubberneckers," it's probably no wonder so many people are charged with obstruction/interference what with everyone having to see what is going on.

I suspect, the bottom line to all this is if you don't want to be on the evening news, be cool and don't be a target.

...which sounds like blog post for another time...