Texas man Ron Martin was arrested last October for warning drivers of an upcoming speed trap.
"Well, the officer, who was in an unmarked car, knew something was going on when people were waving to him." (Via WJW-TV)
Martin stood in the median of a six-lane road and held a sign that read, "Police ahead." But he said he was just trying to get people to slow down — for safety, not to stop them from getting tickets. (Via Daily Mail)
"Martin says he and the police are on the same side."
MARTIN: "Ultimately we're trying to do the exact same thing — I'm just not in a police uniform." (Via ABC)
RON MARTIN: "I just felt like it was a little bit unsafe not only for citizens but for the police officers who are having to do their job." (Via WJW-TV)
Martin, however, was arrested on a violation of a city ordinance prohibiting "homemade" signs on public property, making this a First Amendment concern. He recorded his arrest on his cell phone. (Via WFAA)
MARTIN: "Am I going to be under arrest?"
OFFICER: "Yes, sir, you are. I told you it's a violation of city ordinance to be a human sign." (Via ABC)
Martin entered a plea of not guilty to the misdemeanor in court on Wednesday, claiming he wasn't a business and therefore wasn't advertising — he was simply acting like a living, breathing speed limit sign.
