In most places purposely concealing your identity is a crime
100% false.
I didn't say all places, just some. It is in my neck of the woods.
New Mexico Statutes 30-22-3. Concealing identity Current as of: 2018 | Check for updates | Other versions
Concealing identity consists of concealing one’s true name or identity, or disguising oneself with intent to obstruct the due execution of the law or with intent to intimidate, hinder or interrupt any public officer or any other person in a legal performance of his duty or the exercise of his rights under the laws of the United States or of this state.
Terms Used In New Mexico Statutes 30-22-3
Misdemeanor: Usually a petty offense, a less serious crime than a felony, punishable by less than a year of confinement.
Whoever commits concealing identity is guilty of a petty misdemeanor.
History: 1953 Comp., § 40A-22-3, enacted by Laws 1963, ch. 303, § 22-3.
The article clearly states the man refused to identify himself to officers dispatched to the scene because he 'felt' confident he had done nothing wrong. The officers when on a call by the public are doing their jobs. It most surely falls into the statute 'intent to obstruct the due execution of the law or with intent to intimidate, hinder or interrupt any public officer'. The police are bound to investigate a complaint by citizens of a possible breach of the law, And yes, part of the investigation is identifying those on the scene. The man was not arrested or booked or jailed according to the article, he was 'detained' at the scene and probably handcuffed when his refusal to identify caused officers to secure him to determine why the refusal. For all they knew he may have warrants active. If he would have stated his name when asked it would have gone differently.
I was a patrolman for years and had countless people conceal their identity for many reasons.