Manchester Police’s Robert Harrington Threatens, Arrests Think Penguin’s Chris Waid
Harrington then got up in Waid’s face and demanded ID to which Waid declined, correctly stating he has no obligation to provide the angry cop with ID. Harrington then arrested Waid, and charged him with the police’s favorite catch-all of “disorderly conduct”. I caught the entire thing on video, which you can see here. The “disorderly conduct” charge was a “Class A”, which carries up to a year of jail time. Later in the mail, the police sent an additional “violation” for crossing the street outside of a crosswalk.
Now, two years later, the people calling themselves the “City of Manchester” have cut a check to Waid for $15,000 of taxpayers’ money for Harrington’s obviously illegal arrest. For the first time since his arrest, the video from Chris’ camera that was confiscated is now available for you to see. I’ve augmented it with a little of my camera’s view for perspective:
After hiring attorney Seth Hipple, both charges against Waid were dropped – further proof the police knew they had no case and the charges were brought as an excuse to harass a police accountability activist and get him away from the DUI checkpoint on the night in question. Waid, through attorney Hipple, sent the City of Manchester a letter with his intention to file a lawsuit against them and Harrington in Federal court. In the letter, Hipple included his proposed lawsuit where he cited federal code title 42 section 1983, deprivation of rights.
In the 16-page potential suit, Hipple points out that officer Harrington told multiple lies in his *sworn affidavit*:
He loves telling people what to do. And lying.
- Harrington falsely claims it was Waid who approached him, and that “He moved the camera toward my face in such a way as to cause me concern that he would strike me.” The video obviously shows it was Harrington who approached Waid and got right up in his face while grabbing Waid’s camera. Curiously, Harrington didn’t seem at all concerned about the large Maglite flashlight held in Waid’s other hand, as he didn’t mention it in his affidavit.
- Harrington’s complaint against Waid claims he committed “disorderly conduct” by obstructing ‘business’ in a government facility. The road is pretty clearly not a government facility and the only disruption to their DUI checkpoint was the officers’ choice. They left their post so they could harass a member of the media who had come to observe them.
- Harrington claims I was on the median with Waid, which was not true. I had partially crossed the street, but returned to the sidewalk when I detected the likely arrest.
Hipple correctly argues in the potential suit that Harrington, through the use of intimidation tactics and arrest, violated Waid’s 1st amendment right to be the free press and record government police as well as Waid’s right to be free from unlawful arrest and battery.
Given the costs to litigate this obvious deprivation of rights case, the city cut a $15,000 check to Waid to settle the matter and avoid having to lose in court. It only took two years, but Waid was completely vindicated and took home most of the $15,000 after attorney’s fees. Sadly, it was Manchester taxpayers who are on the hook for the awful police behavior that continues in that area. No officer is held directly accountable for their own actions. Harrington’s pay won’t be docked.
Manch Cops Unnecessarily Intimidate Innocent People in 2016 Search for Suspect
In an exclusive interview with Free Keene, Waid said, “While in some respects this entire case has been a vindication of my rights and actions there is a long way to go in fixing the abusive nature of the state. Sadly even where there is no immunity from police misconduct, as was the case here, there is no real consequence for the officers involved. The police will continue to get away with lying, manipulation, and even rape in some cases with utter impunity. Fortunately while there is no hope outside of New Hampshire there is inside thanks to the freedom migration movement. In time we will overcome an apathetic public and corrupt system.”
Hopefully Manchester cops will keep their hands off the media in the future, but only time will tell. When asked what he planned to do with the money, Waid said he intended to spend some of it on cryptocurrency like bitcoin and the rest against further oppression of free people.
These cops get federal stolen funds to do their dui illegal/suspicion-less nazi checkpoints… its robbery not safety… then we have to deal with cops like that guy? No thanks. I don’t need the injustice system to protect me. That’s my job. Leave your employers alone.
Yea, this isn’t the guys first rodeo. He makes six figures through the use of violence, abuse, and harassment of innocent people. He harassed derick j and other freestaters years ago. He has the nerve to open a car side door illegally. Just walked all over the rights of the driver and passengers.
Good. Manchester’s gang the “police “ are nothing but tax funded gang members. I have seen more crimes committed by them than anyone else.
wjy Did he take the settlement and not go to trial so the city could be accountable?
The entire DUI stop circus is a rights violation, but judges have decided if you violate everybody equally, somehow it’s an acceptable rights violations.
Judges, many of whom seem uhh “less than impartial”, have also ruled that the word “and”, means either / or when usurping due process rights allegedly protected by article 15 in the New Hampshire constitution. Article 15 is the one that says a defendant is supposed to be “fully heard”. (eyeroll)
Do the tax payers only get consequences or does the cop/perp… It shows that cops can be bullies that will keep bullying Unless the tax payers only take the hit, and not the individual coppers. The individual cops should get the consequences.
Of course the city would give him a check. It’s cheaper then fighting it out in court. A lot of businesses do that. The city takes the fifth and denies any wrong doing. Of course after paying his lawyer he will have about a $1.28 for himself. The rest of the article is again full of Ian’s conjecture in which he expresses his views like the last article. Same ol same ol
The last time I was arrested, I noticed that they had labeled me a “prospective gang member” The name of the gang I am supposed to be prospecting for: The Free State Movement. Says much about the government and how they feel about average Citizens who are fed up with business as usual.
JJ: You don’t understand the concept of a blog. While the reporting is superior to other outlets it’s perfectly fine not to pretend as though you don’t have an opinion. As far as what was received I believe it would have been 2/3. This is legally prescribed # if I understand things correctly. At least presuming the lawyer took it on a contingent basis. Thus you can estimate the “profit” was around $10k. Though it probably cost at few thousand for the criminal case. Either way if your only objective is to clear your name and get out the unethical… Read more »
. “If the case had been pursued to its fullest that $15,000 could have easily been $65,000-$200,000”. How do you figure it would have been that large of a settlement? If were that easy, I believe they would have went for a larger sum. He didn’t represent himself so he had court fees, filing fees, attorney fees. His payout wouldn’t of been very much. How do you know Christopher Waid is rich. From what I found out on the internet he is just another one of those copblockers getting into trouble all the time. I don’t believe he really has… Read more »
Say Jacks, how can you have been posting here for so long and yet still not understand how this settlement stuff actually works? Let’s be clear here. In spite of Officer Harrington’s egregious behavior in this case, his generous salary, benefits, and pension will remain intact. The real suckers here, the taxpayers, will be the ones who will burden the cost. You don’t really think that’s justice, now do you pookums?
“How do you figure it would have been that large of a settlement?” Jacks- you have a serious reading comprehension issue. I said in the post that this is what an individual with a near identical case involving filming got. I can’t say for sure that they would have received that amount. You do have to figure that the person probably got something closer to $133,000 of that not including taxes that would also have had to been paid. But none-the-less. “If were that easy, I believe they would have went for a larger sum.” Considering that the reasons for… Read more »
Jacks prefers remaining blissfully ignorant of the details of just about anything he has an opinion about. Isn’t he just the best, kk?
Transparency takes a hit too, because it shows that if you film the cop’s bad behavior they will go ballistic on you dispite it being as right as rain to do. So yes you might get 15k from the tax payers but the cop’s hostility goes on unabated .And the message from that gang is don’t fuck with us. Though WE THE PEOPLE are…it’s just outrageous, the whole thing…it’s just beyond outrageous..
Here’s some more coersion and violence for this coersion and violence…
Then they tell you that you won!
kk – I have a difficult time following you regarding this article and your statements. I looked at Chris’ website. He is the only one selling things but he does it as a third party. I believe you continue to make assumptions regarding this article. “The settlement is the third — and smallest — that Manchester police have paid out when it comes to settling allegations of First Amendment violations.” “So right there- Chris wasn’t after the money”. So why did he sue for money? Sounds like he had an agenda for a cash payout the whole time. “The Union… Read more »
“So why did he sue for money? Sounds like he had an agenda for a cash payout the whole time.”
Jacks my love, suing for money isn’t just for padding the plaintiff’s bank account. It has the added benefit of inflicting financial punishment upon the defendant.
“I looked at Chris’ website. He is the only one selling things but he does it as a third party. ” I don’t know what you are talking about. Maybe you just aren’t knowledgeable with terminology. Most of the components which the company manufactures are sold exclusively and direct which then end up bought by major suppliers using them in kiosks, entertainment systems, industrial machinery, and laptop/desktop computers. You probably wouldn’t know it from a band perspective, but all your fortune 500 companies… and not fortune 500 companies have to go through them to get certain components. It’s not these… Read more »
there should be a LTE to the Union Leader “hey everybody of Manchester, copper XXX cost us 15k because hes a asshole!” ( but with his name, which escapes me atm)
You’re wrong, kk. Jacks knows things. It’s just that he’s awful with presentation. Good thing he has you to mentor him.
kk – Again, I looked at Chris’s website. He is the only one in his “company” and he sells third party items. I believe reviewing Chris’s history has nothing to do with this story. “The company is more critical in the industry than HP, Dell, or any other brand name you’ve heard of”. No, I don’t believe that. Dell, HP, etc. wouldn’t be in business if their quality we not leading the industry. The police were not “bullying” them. The PD was conducting a road sobriety check point and Chris and his group of people were interfering with it’s operation.… Read more »
JJ: You really are retarded aren’t you. I think I’ve underestimated your inability to read. “He is the only one in his ‘company'” Where on earth does it say he is the only one in his company on the site? That is absurd. I know it doesn’t say anything like that because I know he’s hired numerous free staters over the years. “By the way, if a police officer wants ID, you have to give it to him. It’s the law.” Go ahead and show me where it says you are required to submit ID on demand to a cop.… Read more »
“By the way, if a police officer wants ID, you have to give it to him. It’s the law.” Actually Jacks, you’re wrong about that. RSA – NH General Court, Section 594.2 makes it quite clear that “(a)n officer may request the person’s name and address, but the officer shall not arrest (that) person based solely on the person’s refusal to provide such information.” That was pretty easy to find, by the way. But I won’t hold that against you, Jacks. After all, people like yourself need all the generosity they can get. Say, speaking of good deeds, isn’t it… Read more »
KK-it is gross to continually use the “R” word, especially to insult somebody. It is a nasty slur against people with intellectual disabilities. In 2010, President Obama signed “Rosa’s Law” to eliminate the use of that word in Federal Law. Nobody can stop people from using the “N” word or the “R” word, but it is the wrong thing to do. You can attack JJ without using an outdated slur that is hurtful to many people. Thank you.
Wow, LFoD! Calling out kk for this sort of thing really shows everyone here what a stand-up guy you are! This is going to get you tons of high fives! Jacks is going to be so jealous!
kk – You continue to punctuate your statements with name calling. That demonstrates the inability to have the maturity to support your statements. “Notice that it doesn’t put any obligation on a detained person to submit ID or even provide a name and address. It only authorizes the cop to request such information. Refusal isn’t a crime”. I suggest you read this article. New Hampshire has a “Terry law” Which means you are to give an officer your name or ID upon request. Read and educate yourself. https://www.thoughtco.com/show-the-police-my-id-970889 “You underestimate the skill of marketing, business models, IP, and other matters… Read more »
“No, the “check point” was legal. You are using a ploy freekeeners seem to enjoy. Calling everything illegal when it isn’t true. The checkpoint was posted in the paper and everything about it was legal. ” – Jumping Jacks The checkpoint is unconstitutional, and judges, legislators and other political creatures who’ve approved it are involved in blatant language abuse. How surprising. Laws which contradict the bill of rights and / or constitution are “illegal laws”. Simply because they get away with it, doesn’t change that. Published in a newspaper? Isn’t that ironic? They publish notice they are going to have… Read more »
so i wrote the LTE i suggested….havent gotten confirmation it will be printed…. in the UL …
Bob C. These checkpoints are allowed in NH. Which makes them legal. “Published in a newspaper? Isn’t that ironic? They publish notice they are going to have a rights removal fest in compliance with how they’ve been directed to “follow the (illegal) dui checkpoint law” , but they never published the nonexistent NH Controlled drug schedule as one of their other laws insisted they do” The second part of your statements have nothing to do with this article. Most people have access to multiple media sites. So there is no excuse for not knowing where these checkpoints are. Then at… Read more »
They replaced the “every subject hath a right to be secure” part, with “if we violate everybody equally, it’s okay” . I sure hope the State catches up with the alcohol pushers that sell all that booze! [Art.] 19. [Searches and Seizures Regulated.] Every subject hath a right to be secure from all unreasonable searches and seizures of his person, his houses, his papers, and all his possessions. Therefore, all warrants to search suspected places, or arrest a person for examination or trial in prosecutions for criminal matters, are contrary to this right, if the cause or foundation of them… Read more »
Hitler’s minions were just doing their jobs too, Jacks. Just like every other government worker you love so much! Strange that you’re unwilling to entertain the notion that there might be a similarity between the two. Say pookums, you don’t think you’re ignoring all of that because of that unfortunate cognitive condition of yours? You know, the one that kk unkindly keeps bringing up?
Bob C. These checkpoints also catch vehicles that are not registered, people with suspended driver’s licenses, Illegal vehicle modifications ect. Driver’s licenses are not owned by the person who it is issued to, It belongs to the state. Driving on public roads is a privilege, not a right.
Live Free or Die: It’s absolutely retarded that we can’t utilize the word retard to describe someone who is not retarded as acting as such. What is fucked up is not the word retard, but how some people traditionally (and maybe still) utilized the word to demean retarded persons. I have a member of my family who is borderline retarded, but I wouldn’t call them retarded in a demeaning way. Certainly not as an insult for simply being less intelligent. On the other hand I have no problem utilizing it to demean someone who is acting retarded when they are… Read more »
Jacks: You really can’t read. A terry stop doesn’t mean that you have to show ID or provide a name and address. Even that link you posted doesn’t say otherwise. You assume that an arrest means a crime has been committed and in NH that would probably be accurate in most cases as the terry law says it must occur alongside some sort of crime or violation. “Many states now have ‘stop and identify’ laws that require people to identify themselves when police have reasonable suspicion that they are engaged or about to engage in criminal activity. Under these laws,… Read more »
Jacks: Humorously the article is also wrong in regard to NH. “In all states, you must provide personal identification to the police if you are arrested. ” Not according to the law as written and not according Chris’s lawyer Seth Hipple. Now the arrest would be valid if attached to suspicion or probable cause- but again- I repeat. That is not in and of itself a crime or charge. Chris clearly thought he was required to provide ID upon arrest, as you can hear him refusing to ID “unless arrested”, but he was wrong in that regard. He still did… Read more »
“These checkpoints also catch vehicles that are not registered, people with suspended driver’s licenses, Illegal (sic) vehicle modifications ect.(sic) Driver’s licenses are not owned by the person who it is issued to, It belongs to the state. Driving on public roads is a privilege, not a right.” Jacks my love, aren’t these referred to as “DUI” checkpoints because they’ve been designed to serve a higher purpose? I mean it’s pretty dishonest of these government types to be categorizing unconstitutional stops for our expressed safety when all they really want to do is nickel and dime us for petty infractions, don’t… Read more »
kk – Sorry kk. Most of the statements you have made are very wrong. First off I never said I love Nazi’s. How you came to that conclusion is totally beyond me. Have you ever been to Germany? Poland? England? France? maybe Italy? If you haven’t you don’t really have a clue as to what WWII was about. You have made the references of “nazi” Not me. I thought I would answer that first person view because i have been to these places. There is a lot of history of WWII you were never taught in school. You seem to… Read more »
“Have you ever been to Germany? Poland? England? France? maybe Italy” Yes- jacks. I have been to Canada, England, France, Belgium, the Netherlands, and many other countries. You aren’t special. “The laws are there. They are being enforced.” Laws exist yes. That doesn’t mean that Chris broke any of them and cities own attorney seems to agree. They did after all both drop the charges and then agree to pay out $15,000 jacks. “Civil disobedience does nothing but create hard feelings and the person who was nailed for breaking the law 9 times out of 10 seems to do a… Read more »
“Civil disobedience does nothing but create hard feelings and the person who was nailed for breaking the law 9 times out of 10 seems to do a little creative story telling. Of course then it drifts into calling the PD nazis ect… (sic) and before you have it, activists are on these kicks to pester the police. They make the decisions on the streets. If you don’t like it, go to court. Those are your options.” Say Jacks, did you know that the very famous philosopher Henry David Thoreau once wrote an essay about this very thing? You see pookums,… Read more »
Idkyi the only one who says short things
If you’re reading comprehension is really that good, as you say, then how come you cannot re-read what you just typed, and see that your beliefs are Nazi?
kk – I seriously doubt you have been to those countries. I believe you have been to Canada. Apparently Chris did break the law and that is why he was arrested. “No other cops in NH have ever attempted to arrest Chris for recording them. It’s ONLY Manchester cops that have made a concerted effort to target journalists”. First off, having a little video camera and harassing people and the police is not a journalist. Real journalists are non biased, They have ethics, morals, and report the news of what’s really happening. Freekeeners and other activists charge in with a… Read more »
kk – I’m going to end our discussion regarding this article. It frankly bores me to death and there doesn’t seem like much evidence to back up your statements. I’m sure I will be reading your statements at the next posting.
Yea! I won.
Now, now, Jacks. A courageous man would be strong enough to admit defeat. Giving up by pretending you’ve succumbed to boredom is the coward’s way out. You don’t want to look unconfident in front of your Stop Free Keene chums, now do you pookums?