Body Camera Footage Raises Questions in Arrest of 71-Year-Old Foley Man

A 71-year-old Foley, Alabama man says he was wrongfully arrested during an early morning walk. Body camera footage from the encounter is now raising questions about how the situation unfolded.

Nolan Keel was stopped by deputies with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office around 4:18 a.m. in April 2024 while walking along Highway 59. According to the official incident report, Keel was detained for walking in the roadway and later arrested for disorderly conduct after deputies say he refused to provide identification and engaged in threatening behavior.

Keel disputes that account.

What the Report Says

In the report, the responding deputy states that Keel was observed standing in the roadway and was asked to provide identification as part of a disorderly conduct investigation. The report further claims that Keel refused to comply and later “lunged” toward an officer, prompting his arrest.

The deputy also described Keel as a potential danger to himself and others, noting statements made during the encounter.

What the Body Camera Footage Shows

Body camera footage obtained through Keel’s attorney captures the full interaction between Keel and responding deputies.

In the video, Keel is seen questioning whether he is required to provide identification. He ultimately produces his ID shortly after the request. The footage then shows Keel being directed to stand near another deputy before he is taken into custody.

The moment deputies described as a “lunge” is visible on camera, though interpretations of that movement may vary. Keel appears to shift or step sideways before being restrained.

At one point during the encounter, Keel makes a statement referencing whether he wants to die, which deputies later cite as part of their concern for his safety.

Legal Context

The stop and arrest raise questions about how Alabama law is applied in situations involving pedestrians.

At the time of the incident, state law generally required reasonable suspicion of a crime before an officer could demand identifying information. The initial reason given for the stop was Keel’s alleged presence in the roadway.

Alabama pedestrian statutes allow individuals to walk along roadways in certain conditions, particularly when sidewalks are not available, though enforcement can depend on whether a safety hazard is created.

A Year-Long Legal Process

Following his arrest, Keel spent more than a year navigating the legal process. He hired an attorney, paid thousands of dollars in legal fees, and worked to obtain the body camera footage tied to his case.

Keel, who has no prior criminal history aside from a decades-old speeding ticket, said the experience had a lasting impact on his life. He described the arrest as both unexpected and difficult to reconcile with his understanding of law enforcement.

Review the Footage

The full body camera footage, along with a detailed breakdown of the incident report and applicable law, is reviewed in the latest episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama.

As with many cases involving police encounters, the interpretation may ultimately depend on how viewers assess both the written report and the video evidence.

Listen to the Full Episode Now

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Links to listen on other platforms including Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more can be found here.

Episode Resources