By Police1 Staff
LAMPASAS, Texas — Police released new video Wednesday of a May 25 traffic stop where a deputy repeatedly punched a man during the arrest.
Deputy Logan Jones received a call of a reckless driver and pulled over a Mustang driven by Quinton Cruce, 18, KCEN reported. Jones said he noticed a “strong odor” of alcohol and marijuana coming from the car and asked the occupants to exit the vehicle.
Cruce refused, stating he would not exit without a search warrant. Jones told him he’d be charged with interference and told passengers Gage Blackwell, 18, and Sydney Joy, 17, to exit the vehicle. They complied, and soon after, Cruce complied as well.
An affidavit obtained by KCEN says Cruce struck Jones in the chest and kicked him several times as he was being arrested, prompting Jones to use force. Video shows Jones attempt to arrest Cruce, then placing him in a chokehold and repeatedly punching him on the ground. Cellphone video was previously the only video the public had seen.
The affidavit claims Blackwell attempted to help Cruce and shoved Officer Joshua Watson when Watson went to remove Blackwell to prevent further injury.
Cruce was arrested for resisting arrest, assault of a public servant, driving while intoxicated and interfering with public duties, KXTX reported. Blackwell was arrested for assault of a public servant, resisting arrest, interfering with public duties and minor in consumption of alcohol. Joy was not arrested.
Per department policy, Jones has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. An outside law enforcement agency has been brought in to investigate.