An Ohio University graduate student studying photojournalism was arrested for obstructing official business while trying to take photographs of emergency responders during the night of the Halloween Block Party.
Nicolas C. Tanner, 28, pleaded not guilty to one count of obstructing official business and one count of resisting arrest during his arraignment hearing in Athens County Municipal Court Oct. 29.
The charges stem from an incident Oct. 28. Tanner allegedly interfered with emergency personnel while they were treating a patient on Franklin Avenue. Tanner was trying to take photos of the patient and refused to get out of the way, according to a report from the Athens Police Department.
Officers moved him to the sidewalk and then he attempted to flee, according to the report.
He was taken to Southeastern Ohio Regional Jail and was released after his bond was posted about 20 hours later.
Tanner could be sentenced to a maximum of nine months in jail and a maximum fine of $1,750 if convicted of both charges at a trial, according to the Ohio Revised Code.
Tanner is due back in court Nov. 13 for a preliminary hearing.
ml147009@ohiou.edu
