Reckless Ben arrest video sparks scrutiny of American Fork Police response in Bricks and Minifigs case

Viral footage of the arrest fuels criticism of AFPD amid a legal dispute involving a $200K Star Wars lego collection

The American Fork Police Department is facing growing scrutiny after a video posted by Reckless Ben, amassed more than 1.3 million views and prompted allegations of police bias during his arrest in Utah.

The YouTuber, whose real name is Ben Schneider, was arrested in March and charged with stalking, targeted residential picketing, criminal trespassing and disorderly conduct. The arrest stemmed from his attempts to contact individuals connected to an ongoing dispute involving a Bricks & Minifigs franchise in Oregon.

The controversy centres on claims by Bryan Mansell and his 83-year-old father that a valuable Stars Wars Lego collection reportedly worth $200,000 was never returned after being placed with a Bricks & Minifigs store in Keizer, Oregon.

The company disputes the allegations, maintaining that much of the inventory was sold by a former franchise owner and that it remains willing to pursue a fair resolution.

Following the release of Schneider’s latest video, social media users criticised the American Fork Police Department, with some pointing to alleged discrepancies in its response.

Critics highlighted the department’s claim that a church congregation referenced in the video did not exist, arguing that records show a congregation with that name operates in American Fork.

The issue has been cited by some online commentators as raising questions about the accuracy of parts of the department’s public explanation.

Other critics have questioned officers’ handling of legal documents shown in Schneider’s footage. Some online commentators allege that police actions may have interfered with the service of legal process, citing Utah law governing obstruction of civil or criminal notices.

The backlash intensified after Police Chief Cameron Paul released a video outlining the department’s actions between March 8 and 11. The department stated that it investigated incidents within its jurisdiction and enforced applicable laws. It also confirmed there are currently no active warrants for Schneider in Utah.

The department also addressed claims regarding alleged injuries during the arrest, stating body camera footage did not support those claims and that no complaints were recorded during detention or booking.

Schneider has disputed the allegations against him, claiming his actions were part of an effort to pursue legal documentation and investigate the missing collection.

The investigation remains ongoing, with Schneider suggesting further videos and developments related to the Lego Star Wars dispute have yet to be released.