I'm not law enforcement either, but just from what I read, the cop sounds like a jerk. Hopefully, he fared better with the judge. I would've written a letter to the higher ups if I couldn't make the court date.
I'm just surprised that the kid (A) Didn't just pay the tickets or (B) arrange a court date. To me, I think this kid is obviously a bit immature, to just say "Agh the hell with it" and ignore his responsibilities in this matter, even if he was totally innocent and there was likely more to the story if you heard the other side.
That's why the issue accusations and not guilty verdicts. It's your responsibility as a citizen to set the record straight.