RENO, Nev. (AP) - The head of the national Society of Professional Journalists is backing a veteran Reno news photographer accused of obstructing and resisting Washoe County sheriff's deputies while covering a wildfire.

SPJ President John Ensslin sent a letter to Washoe County Sheriff Michael Haley condemning treatment of Reno Gazette-Journal
photographer Tim Dunn at the scene of the Monday fire in Sun Valley.

Dunn also filed a complaint last week alleging deputies used excessive force.

Dunn says he was knocked to the ground, his face was pushed into the gravel and he was handcuffed for about 45 minutes when he tried
to comply with commands to leave the area.

Haley has asked Sparks police to investigate.

Ensslin asserts that Dunn followed standard journalism procedures and should have been allowed into the fire scene.

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