A member of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe of Massachusetts was arrested and faces several charges stemming from a lobster-catch incident.

Under a 1999 state court ruling, tribal members have aboriginal rights to shellfish without a permit. But on Sunday local police tried to arrest Vernon "Buddy" Pocknett, 42, for catching undersize lobsters.

Pocknett allegedly refused to comply, threw the lobsters back into the water and fled on foot. He then went to the local courthouse on Monday to inquire why he was being arrested in light the aboriginal rights ruling.

The court apparently rescinded Pocknett's arrest. But local police saw him driving, followed him home and attempted to arrest him again. A scuffle ensued when Pocknett said he tried to show the police the court papers and his tribal identification. He was then maced, arrested and taken to jail. He was released later Monday night.

Get the Story:
Pocknett denies assault charges (The Cape Cod Times 7/14)
Police, tribal member clash (The Cape Cod Times 7/13)
Tribe member clashes with police (The Cape Cod Times 7/12)