Queensland Police Service (QPS) has announced it is “examining the behaviour of the police involved” in a bizarre incident earlier today, which saw an ABC reporter temporarily detained over suspicions of illicit drug use and possession.
Josh Bavas managed to capture some footage during the incident – like a consummate pro – which he subsequently uploaded to Twitter. The short clip shows two officers who were deadset in their false belief Bavas was munted.
I was just detained by police outside Bunnings because they said I was on drugs. I have a cold. Unbelievable. pic.twitter.com/mU5zSHGtE3
— Josh Bavas (@JoshBavas) August 13, 2016
Presumably due to his proximity to the vehicle, the cops turned their attention to Bavas. He said that despite being released, they still asked his brother what drugs he was on. Neither the men in the car, nor Bavas, left the exchange with any charges.
In response to that utterly baffling deal, and following an outpouring of utter confusion from basically everyone who has laid eyes on the clip, QPS said higher-ups were examining the cops’ response “in keeping with our commitment to high standards of behaviour, transparency, and accountability.”
This is our statement regarding an incident involving officers at Oxley today. pic.twitter.com/pndrYBH1RR
— QPS Media Unit (@QPSmedia) August 13, 2016
Oh, if you’re wondering, Bavas did eventually get cracking on that retaining wall. Crisis a-bloody-verted.
All’s well that ends well. May have had something to do with my red shorts and green shoes. Now back to building a retaining wall.
— Josh Bavas (@JoshBavas) August 13, 2016