Unfortunately there's a certain type of person out there that really relishes the opportunity to make another person's life hell. This guy might be one of them, or he might not. Your only real defense in any case is to document what you can and then stand up for yourself. Easy for me to say I know, but I have experience in this particular area, believe me. The first time something like this happened I was a deer caught in the headlights and probably couldn't have remembered my dog's name if asked. Now, a bit like how you come up with good comebacks and insults a half hour after an argument is over, I've come up with some good ideas on what to do in a situation like this.
One thing I recommend is to go on Amazon or eBay and buy a $30 dashcam with audio. I try to be as close to the front of my truck hood as I can and calmly ask or suggest that we move a few steps in front of my truck "for the dash cam" and motion over to my windshield. If it's a cop you don't turn your back or start walking away of course, but merely suggest or mention it, confidently.
My dash cam is a cheap wired $25 ebay deal that doesn't even pick up much "external audio", it's mostly just the fact that you're letting them know the interaction is being recorded that stops any aggressiveness or funny business. If I'm still in the car I simply pivot the cam towards the driver's side window. I'm not a lawyer but dash cams are legal in pretty much all states and I am not aware of anyone being successfully prosecuted for using a dash cam as they are in plain sight and have an obvious, stated purpose unrelated to covert surveillance. Also, someone outside of a vehicle on the street or in a parking lot, etc. is in a public place with no expectation of privacy.
Anyway I know this is probably stressful for you and you certainly have my sympathy. Let's hope the whole thing blows over faster than a patio umbrella from Harbor Freight Tools.
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