ARANSAS PASS, TX — A Texas police chief is praising one of his officers for showing restraint after a suspect was pulled over for speeding. The man was later caught on tape pulling his pants down and throwing his marijuana cigarette at the officer.
The incident occurred in Aransas Pass, a small city near Corpus Christi.
According to the police chief, Sgt. Travis Baker first encountered 30-year-old Freddy Espinoza Jr. when he saw him speeding down W. Wheeler Ave. on April 29 around 10 p.m.
The chief said Espinoza initially acted as if he would resist being pulled over, but quickly decided to stop.
The chief said his officer then pulled the vehicle over and asked Espinoza to remain inside while keeping his hands visible until assistance arrived.
Espinoza eventually exited the vehicle and was guarded at taser point. He was asked to stand at the rear of the vehicle.
Video footage later shows Espinoza pulling down his pants, exposing his butt, and throwing his marijuana cigarette at Sgt. Baker.
Espinoza was then forced to the ground, secured in handcuffs and placed inside the police vehicle.
According to the police chief, Espinoza ended up having to be treated by an area emergency department for his high level of intoxication before being booked into jail.
"It’s not an easy job, especially when you have to set aside internal emotions that tend to get the best of you while enduring high levels of berating, threats and ridicule as Sgt. Baker did during this situation," said chief Blanchard. "Over time and without constructive means of release, these types of events will take their toll on even the most thickest-skinned of us all."
Espinoza was charged with the following offenses:
- Driving while intoxicated with an open container – Misdemeanor (BOND $ 5,000)
- Resisting arrest search or transport – Misdemeanor (BOND $ 5,000)
- Evading arrest/detention with a vehicle – Felony (BOND $ 20,000)
- Obstruction/retaliation – Felony (BOND $ 50,000) for threats made against officers and their families
According to the chief, he decided to share this video to show the level of skilled, trained tolerance and risk his staff endures daily.
Here is the full video footage of the traffic stop:
