Video surfaces in DUI lawsuit showing officers planning fabricated charges

The Connecticut ACLU filed a lawsuit on Thursday against three officers on behalf of a DUI-checkpoint protester, Michael Picard. Video footage was soon after released showing the officers discussing bringing false charges against Picard. Picard had been approached by the officers during one of his protests. The officer noticed Picard had a pistol in his hip holster and checked to see if he had a valid pistol permit. The video shows Picard's camera being taken by one of the officers, who instructed him "it's illegal to take my picture." The camera continued to record audio while the officers then deliberated on what charges they would levee against Picard, eventually settling on use of a highway by a pedestrian and creating a public disturbance for having his pistol in plain view of passing vehicles. Picard's charges were recently dropped. The complaint alleges violations of both Picard's First Amendment right of free speech and Fourth Amendment right against illegal search and seizure. The Connecticut State Police Union said that they believed the lawsuit is "frivolous and will ultimately be dismissed" on Friday.