Maui Time publisher Tommy Russo was arrested by the Maui Police Department earlier today while attempting to videotape a series of traffic stops:

“I stopped to find out why it was so important to back up traffic for miles,” Russo said after being released. “Social media was blowing up my phone, asking what was going on there. I wanted a report from the scene. I was arrested for filming and all other charges from the MPD are ridiculous. The police chose to arrest me in a direct attempt to stop the documenting of their activities.”

The paper reports that Russo has been charged with interfering with a government operation, harassment and resisting arrest.

Last year Russo was assaulted by a Maui police officer while videotaping the entourage of reality star Duane “Dog the Bounty Hunter” Chapman.