KSTP-TV cameraman Chad Nelson was filming one of the 12 arrests during an Occupy march in Minneapolis on Saturday, April 7, when he became part of the story.

Nelson’s camera was shoved to the ground by an Minneapolis police officer on Nicollet Mall after 10 p.m., said KSTP news director Lindsay Radford. The camera, worth an estimated $13,000 to $15,000, was damaged in the incident and Nelson went to a doctor Sunday with signs of whiplash, Radford said.

“He was being professional and doing his job,” Radford said. Radford said Nelson was “frustrated” because he had received no verbal warning from officers before the incident. “He was there to document,” Radford said. “It was pretty surprising.”

Minneapolis police Sgt. Stephen McCarty confirmed the incident and said a camera operator approached a commander at the scene, saying he was assaulted by an officer.

McCarty said the cameraman did not receive treatment at the scene, and the department would wait to see if a complaint is filed.

Police Chief Tim Dolan issued a statement Monday:

“The Minneapolis Police Department’s Internal Affairs Unit is in the process of reviewing the incident involving a KSTP cameraman Chad Nelson last Saturday evening. We instructed all of our officers before this, and any demonstration, to not take individual actions unless they are warranted for personal safety. From my preliminary review of the video regarding Mr. Nelson, the officer’s interference does not appear to be necessary. If that is the case, I am a very disappointed.”

Radford said KSTP will assess the damage to the camera and will meet with its attorney to determine any possible legal actions.

A dozen people were arrested for public nuisance and impeding traffic near Ninth Street South and Nicollet Mall at about 10 p.m. Saturday, McCarty said. Those arrested were booked and believed to be released Sunday.

The Occupy movement for economic equity had planned to set up in Peavy Plaza and Loring Park in Minneapolis last weekend, the sixth-month anniversary of the first Twin Cities rallies in front of the Hennepin County Government Center. On Saturday, the marchers were carrying tents, canopies and signs. Police later instructed them to remove their materials.

“What was left, we removed,” McCarty said.

McCarty said police are discussing ways to handle the Occupy movement, which has stated it will become more active this spring.

Minneapolis Mayor R.T. Rybak has agreed to hold a public meeting with Occupy Minneapolis activists about the arrests.

Rybak will meet with them at 1 p.m. Tuesday at City Hall. Occupiers say the mayor will take questions at the meeting.

The mayor agreed to the meeting after about 40 protesters marched Monday afternoon from the Hennepin County Government Center Plaza about a half-block to City Hall. After he agreed to the meeting, the protesters then dispersed.