1A Auditor Speaks Out: Shocking Public Protest Against Police Brutality

Maricopa mechanic Peter Rodriguez held a solo protest on September 11, 2024, at the intersection of John Wayne Parkway and Honeycutt Road, expressing his grievances against local police. At 10:45 a.m., he used bold signage to voice his criticisms directly, targeting Officers William Wetherell and Rene Ordonez of the Maricopa Police Department with signs that read, “Officer Wetherell is a little b*tch” and “Officer Ordonez is a little b*tch.”

This public display stems from a July 4 incident where Rodriguez was arrested during Independence Day festivities at Copper Sky Regional Park. He was charged with resisting arrest, refusing to identify himself, and obstructing an official act, among other claims. That day, he filmed the police at a separate traffic stop; his heckling led to physical confrontation, which he characterized as excessive force.

Rodriguez identifies as a First Amendment auditor, aiming to hold public officials accountable through recording interactions. While protesting, he reiterated his intention to bring attention to the two Officers, claiming, “I don’t have a problem with short people; I just want to hit ’em where it hurts.” He aims to provoke a dialogue regarding police conduct and citizens’ rights.

The July 4 incident highlighted tensions surrounding free speech and the police’s response to perceived obstruction. Following his arrest, Rodriguez reported ongoing harassment from Officer Ordonez, suggesting a misuse of authority. “He started pulling people over at my work,” he stated, alleging that the officer attempted to involve his employer after a series of confrontations.

In the aftermath, the community has reacted strongly, with one resident sending inflammatory emails to city officials about Rodriguez’s arrest. This communication raised concerns over escalating tensions within the community and emphasized the need for constructive dialogue.

MPD spokesperson Monica Williams acknowledged the complaints Rodriguez has made. “We are conducting an investigation into the claims made against our officers,” she stated, although she could not confirm the specifics of his allegations.

Rodriguez’s activism seeks to foster change in police accountability; he believes the July 4 incident served as a training moment for officers involved. Maricopa Police Chief Mark Goodman noted that the event was complex and provided an opportunity for officer development, without specifying any disciplinary measures. Rodriguez hopes his efforts will resonate and inspire community discussion on police conduct and civil rights.