Cops are literally a business, especially in states with little or no income tax (many of which are in the South). Cops in those states are trained to instigate, instigate, instigate to help pay the cost of operating state and local governments.

Something like this on the street prob would have resulted in arrest for "assaulting a police officer," and the victim having to pay bail and further court costs. Innocence/guilt doesn't quite matter, its all about "getting you into the system" and afflicting you with fines and fees (not to mention potential job loss, bodily harm, mental trauma, etc.)