Police Say Staffer Threw Rocks

Miami police charged Sunday that Los Angeles Times photographer Carolyn Cole, arrested during disturbances following the federal seizure of Elian Gonzalez, threw rocks and then photographed the aftermath.

Cole, 38, was one of more than 300 people arrested Saturday in Little Havana. She faces felony charges of throwing a deadly missile after a police officer said he saw her put down her camera to hurl rocks. Cole “was seen throwing two or three rocks and then picked up her camera and proceeded to take photographs,” said Miami Detective Delrish Moss, quoting from the arrest warrant.

In Los Angeles, Times Editor Michael Parks characterized the charge as “totally without foundation.”

“Carolyn Cole was covering the protests in Miami as a news photographer, not participating in them, and her photos published in The Times make that clear,” Parks said.

“In arresting Cole and detaining her for more than eight hours before releasing her on bond, Miami police prevented her from continuing to report a story of national importance. We see this as an abridgment of the people’s right to know under the Constitution. We will ask for the immediate dismissal of the charge against her.”

The incident allegedly took place Saturday afternoon as hundreds of people set trash fires, overturned dumpsters and blocked traffic to protest the removal of Elian from the home of his Miami relatives.

Most of those arrested were charged with disorderly conduct. At least three other photographers also were arrested.

If convicted, Cole would face up to five years in prison.