VICTORIA, Texas – A Victoria police officer who used a Taser on a 76-year-old man has been fired after an investigation.
We first told you about the story and the dash cam video back in December. The video shows Officer Nathanial Robinson, of the Victoria Police Department, arresting Pete Vasquez on Dec. 11 for displaying an expired inspection sticker. But in the process, Robinson suddenly throws Vasquez onto the hood of his police car, then tackles the elderly man to the ground and shoots him with a Taser gun twice.
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Vasquez was taken to the hospital, where he was released after a medical evaluation.
Victoria Police Chief Jeff Craig placed Robinson on administrative leave and ordered two separate investigations: a criminal investigation conducted by the Texas Rangers and an internal administrative investigation conducted by the Victoria Police Department's Internal Affairs Division.
On Monday, Craig announced the outcome of the internal investigation, saying Robinson had violated the department's conduct policy, use of force policy and arrest without a warrant policy.
Craig said Robinson was terminated.
"This is a very unfortunate incident for everyone involved. The Victoria Police Department places a high value in public trust. The men and women of the Victoria Police Department work hard each and every day to provide professional service with pride and respect to the community," said Craig.
Vasquez's attorney Rachel Messer told us she wants justice for Vasquez, and she is hoping the Texas Rangers will file criminal charges against the officer.
"Mr. Vasquez and his family agree with the conclusions of the Victoria Police Department's internal investigation," Messer said. "We are also still hopeful for full prosecution."
The Texas Rangers' criminal investigation has been forwarded to the Victoria District Attorney's Office for review.