ADAMS COUNTY, Colo. — Newly released body-worn camera footage shows the moment an Adams County deputy arrested a man simply for recording him and questioning his speeding.
The video also includes a supervisor later arriving on scene and apologizing for the wrongful arrest, acknowledging the situation was mishandled.
Man Receives $80,000 Settlement After Wrongful Arrest Claim
Although Barry Zatkalik never filed a formal lawsuit, his attorney, Maddie Shaefer, submitted a detailed legal notice to Adams County outlining the deputy’s misconduct. According to Shaefer, Zatkalik received an $80,000 settlement this month to compensate for the incident.
February 2024 Traffic Stop Turns Into Controversial Arrest
The encounter took place in February 2024 as Deputy Walter Berlinski was completing a traffic stop on Highway 85 near 104th Avenue.
Zatkalik—who was not involved in the traffic stop—parked nearby to record video of the deputy using his cellphone.
Tension Escalates After Request for Badge Number
On camera, Zatkalik can be heard asking:
“Can I get your name and badge number?”
Rather than identifying himself, Berlinski questioned why Zatkalik was recording. Zatkalik responded that he intended to file a speeding complaint against the deputy.
Berlinski immediately shifted the interaction, demanding:
“License, registration, proof of insurance.”
The argument intensified, with Zatkalik repeatedly asking for a supervisor, while Berlinski claimed he was placing him under arrest for obstruction.
Arrest Continues Until Deputy Realizes Zatkalik Is a Former Officer
Once handcuffed and placed in the back of a patrol vehicle, Berlinski discovered that Zatkalik possessed a police badge.
Zatkalik previously served as a reserve officer with the Denver Police Department—a role that gives volunteers full police powers, typically for events like parades and traffic management.
Civil rights attorney Shaefer later clarified:
“He was several feet away, filming quietly from his vehicle. He was not obstructing anything. The only thing being obstructed was the officer’s unlawful retaliation against his First Amendment-protected activity.”
Supervisor Apologizes and Admits the Arrest Was Improper
After approximately 20 minutes, a supervisor from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office arrived, reviewed the situation, and offered an apology:
“It will be handled… I’m sorry. I will apologize for the sheriff’s office.”
Another responding officer can be heard telling Berlinski on camera:
“You don’t have obstruction.”
Sheriff’s Office Declines to Release Disciplinary Details
When asked whether Deputy Berlinski faced disciplinary action, spokesperson Shea Haney said the sheriff’s office completed an internal investigation but would not disclose whether any punishment was issued.
Meanwhile, 9NEWS has filed a records request to obtain additional details about the review.
Deputy’s Past Conduct Under Spotlight
This is not the first controversy involving Berlinski. In 2019, 9NEWS reported that he had been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Court records later showed he pleaded guilty to driving while ability impaired, a lesser offense.
The Adams County incident highlights ongoing concerns about police accountability, First Amendment rights, and misuse of obstruction charges.
With body camera footage capturing both the arrest and a supervisor’s apology, questions continue to grow regarding Deputy Berlinski’s conduct and whether appropriate disciplinary action followed.
As public pressure builds and records requests remain pending, many residents await further transparency from the Adams County Sheriff’s Office.
