Texas Lawyer – A Lampasas County Sheriff’s Deputy is Caught on Video Allegedly Punching a Young Man in the Face Repeatedly
A video posted to Twitter shows a controversial incident during an early Thursday morning traffic stop on May 25, 2017, in Lampasas, Texas. The video seems to show that a young man pulled over for an alleged traffic violation is punched in the face four or more times allegedly by a Lampasas County Sheriff’s Deputy. Sheriff’s deputies were at the scene to provide assistance to Lampasas police at approximately 3:15 am. Police were called about a motorist driving erratically on U.S. Highway 281.
The video was taken by a passenger in the car that was pulled over. Her voice is heard on the video, screaming at law enforcement officers not to hit her friend. When she posted the video on Twitter, she alleged that it was a case of police brutality.
In the video, a sheriff’s deputy can be seen straddling the 18-year-old driver. He is allegedly hitting him as another officer tries to hold the young man’s legs. Lampasas County Sheriff Jess Ramos confirmed the identity of the deputy who allegedly struck the 18-year-old.
The driver who was pulled over was charged with driving while intoxicated, resisting arrest, assault of a public servant, and interference with public duties. A passenger in the vehicle, also an 18-year-old man, was charged with resisting arrest, assault of a public servant, being a minor in consumption of alcohol, and interference with public duties.
The sheriff’s office released a statement that they are aware of the video circulating on social media. Assistance from an outside law enforcement agency has been requested, to thoroughly review the alleged use of force during the arrests. The officer who allegedly struck the 18-year-old repeatedly has been placed on routine administrative leave until the investigation has been completed and conclusions are made known.
Lampasas is in Central Texas, approximately 55 miles west of Temple.
–Guest Contributor