IRVINE

A freelance photojournalist has filed a $1-million claim against Irvine, alleging that police assaulted, harassed and unlawfully arrested him while he was taping two separate traffic accidents this spring.

David S. Harvey, a Tustin-based journalist, alleged that in one incident a police officer shoved his camera into his eye in March while he was taping a fatal accident on Alton Parkway.

While shooting another accident in May at Von Karman and Alton, Harvey contends officers seized his camera, tape, press pass and other personal items, impounded his car, arrested him and booked him at Orange County Jail.

Police declined to comment on the alleged physical altercation, but Lt. Sam Allevato said Harvey was warned at the scene in March that he was interfering in a police investigation. The department is seeking criminal charges against the photojournalist based on his refusal to cooperate, he added.

Police contend that Harvey is at fault in the second incident as well. They said they will be seeking additional charges against him.

Harvey’s camera and his personal items were returned to him last month. The California Highway Patrol has revoked his press pass and Irvine police said they are keeping the May tape as evidence in its continuing investigation.