PALOS VERDES -- Prosecutors have decided they won't file charges against two photographers arrested after a skirmish outside a location shoot for "The Bachelor" last weekend. But now, the photographers are turning the tables and going after the people they believe wronged them.
Private security guards hired by the show made citizen's arrests of the photographers at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes during a taping of the wedding between former "Bachelor" Jason Mesnick and contestant Molley Malaney, according to authorities.
The shutterbugs, identified as Maximiliano Lopez, 28, of Torrance, and Eric Brogmus, 22, were on a public trail that surrounds the resort.
Lopez and Brogmus were taken into custody about 2:45 p.m. Saturday, L.A. County Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said.
Video shows the security guards grab Lopez by the arm and pull him to the ground. A security guard then chokes Brogmus and takes him to the ground. Both men struggle and protest that they are on a public walkway.
The guards then made citizen's arrests of the two for blocking a public trail and battery.
The photographers' attorney, Ryan Okabe, of Okabe & Haushaltar, says he finds the guards' actions inexcusable.
"It shocks the conscience," Okabe told KTLA. "If you look at the video tape, it's clear. They come up from behind my clients, put them in a choke hold [and] physically force them to the ground."
Okabe said he would like to see the district attorney file criminal charges against the private security guards.
Lopez and Brogums are also considering filing a civil suit against those they feel wronged them.
No one from the show or the security firm could be reached for comment.
Private security guards hired by the show made citizen's arrests of the photographers at the Terranea Resort in Rancho Palos Verdes during a taping of the wedding between former "Bachelor" Jason Mesnick and contestant Molley Malaney, according to authorities.
The shutterbugs, identified as Maximiliano Lopez, 28, of Torrance, and Eric Brogmus, 22, were on a public trail that surrounds the resort.
Lopez and Brogmus were taken into custody about 2:45 p.m. Saturday, L.A. County Sheriff's spokesman Steve Whitmore said.
Video shows the security guards grab Lopez by the arm and pull him to the ground. A security guard then chokes Brogmus and takes him to the ground. Both men struggle and protest that they are on a public walkway.
The guards then made citizen's arrests of the two for blocking a public trail and battery.
The photographers' attorney, Ryan Okabe, of Okabe & Haushaltar, says he finds the guards' actions inexcusable.
"It shocks the conscience," Okabe told KTLA. "If you look at the video tape, it's clear. They come up from behind my clients, put them in a choke hold [and] physically force them to the ground."
Okabe said he would like to see the district attorney file criminal charges against the private security guards.
Lopez and Brogums are also considering filing a civil suit against those they feel wronged them.
No one from the show or the security firm could be reached for comment.
