By Kat Kanning

On November 4th, Cooper Travis was arrested at his home in Candia for refusing to turn off his video camera while speaking with a police officer. According to Travis, “The SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) came to my house and demanded that he be let onto the property to see the horse shelter. He did not introduce himself as anyone (He was later identified as Steven Sprowl), he just started demanding.” Cooper told the man that he couldn't let him on the property without the property owner's consent. Sprowl left angrily and called the sheriff.

When Sprowl returned, Beth Garthwaite came up identified herself as the property caretaker and reiterated that he could not come on the property without the permission of the owner. She explained that the horse shelter was not visible from the road. When asked if there was a law forcing them to let the SPCA on the property, Sprowl said that the police were on the way and threatened them with a search warrant and possible arrest and/or confiscation of the animals.

The Candia police arrived and Cooper informed the officer that he was being audio and video recorded. The officer nodded his head in assent and said, “OK”. The officer claimed they had the right to inspect the property. Beth questioned them about their “right” to inspect the property, asking for the specific law. The officer sidestepped the question and said they'd have to get a search warrant. When they again denied them entrance without the property owner's consent, the officer decided he didn't want the encounter recorded and told Cooper to turn off the camera. When Cooper refused to stop filming at his own home, he was handcuffed and arrested. Cooper was armed at the time. The officer removed Cooper's gun and handed it to Sprowl, who proceeded to put a round in the chamber, drop the clip, and wave the now loaded gun around.

Cooper was taken to the Candia police station where a discussion took place between officers, and Cooper was released without charges. His gun was returned to him. As of the date of this printing, no search warrant has been obtained to search the Travis property, and no allegations of animal cruelty have been made available. It is unclear at this time whether charges of false arrest will me made against the Candia police, or charges of impersonating an officer against the Sprowl – for wearing a badge when not deputized by police.