From [HERE] Criminal charges filed against NewsNation reporter Evan Lambert were dismissed after police officers in East Palestine, Ohio arrested him on Feb. 8.

Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost said Wednesday (Feb. 15) that he dropped the case after his office reviewed video and documentary evidence. Lambert was charged with misdemeanors for resisting arrest and criminal trespassing.

“While journalists could conceivably be subject to criminal charges for trespassing in some situations, this incident is not one of them,” Yost said in a statement. “The reporter was lawfully present at a press conference called by the Governor of the state. His conduct was consistent with the purpose of the event and his role as a reporter.”

Lambert and other reporters were covering Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine’s news conference to update local residents about the status of a derailed train transporting toxic chemicals. The event started about two hours late, causing a conflict with Lambert’s scheduled live NewsNation report.

CBS News Pittsburgh reported that the police said Lambert was talking loudly while on air from the back of the school gymnasium where the press conference was taking place. Body camera footage showed that state national guard commander Maj. Gen. John Harris confronted and pointed a finger at Lambert before pushing the reporter with one hand in the chest. Lambert responded by pointing and talking back to Harris in what became a heated exchange.

Authorities said Lambert was told to leave the news conference but refused several times. Two officers handcuffed Lambert and escorted him to a police SUV. Lambert is Black and the officers are white.

In his statement, Yost said tensions were high following the derailment and the police appeared to be following the lead of the National Guard.

“Regardless of the intent, arresting a journalist reporting at a press conference is a serious matter,” Yost said. “Ohio protects a free press under its constitution, and state officials should remember to exercise a heightened level of restraint in using arrest powers.”