LTTE: Arrest was not justified

[RC]

By: Greg Elsner, Fargo

I am a full-time graduate student at North Dakota State University, live in an apartment in downtown Fargo and was arrested last week after a full day of sandbagging. The staff-reported March 27 article “Violations lead to 8 arrests in Fargo” is unsubstantiated, irresponsible, and an insult to a group of hard-working volunteers.

After yet another full day sandbagging in Gardner and Oakport, my buddy Kevin Ruhland and I returned to Fargo. We walked down the road to the river three blocks from home to talk to the guardsmen stationed on the corner about the day’s effort. After working in other areas throughout the week, we wanted to know how the river was affecting the immediate neighborhood in which we live.

We were not sneaking in the dark or recklessly climbing around on the dike, but approached a well-lit corner occupied by both the National Guard and Fargo Police Department. The police officer at the corner could have simply informed us of the new arrest policy (which was passed hours before while we were sandbagging), and asked us to turn around.

Instead, we were arrested sporting knee-high boots, soaked and icy, covered with sand and mud. Instead of catching some sleep and getting back on the lines, we wasted county resources spending a night in jail and awaiting an afternoon hearing. When that hearing came, the judge, fully aware of our efforts, felt inclined to impose a fine of $150, a $50 service fee and 30 hours of community service. We were not “sightseers” and were anything but “ashamed” to be there.

>The REST<
http://www.inforum.com/event/article/id/236264/

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My take on this is he should have been advised of the situation and told to go home. A night in jail and court appearance is to me a little over the top. Be sure to read the comments to see what kind of people live here. I am starting to be ashamed to live here. Feel free to comment on the Forum's site.

[midnight]

1. Wrong, wrong, wrong. No common sense. It has been

breed out of the robots. President Obama is asking for everyone to make a contribution to their communities, and this is how your repaid. This is what it must of been like in Nazi Germany during the war. Over the top abuse.

[Number23]

2. Kick!

[grantcart]

3. kick

[Career Prole]

4. K & R.

Crazy times.