A spokesperson for the San Marcos Police Department said no one with the agency could accommodate an interview request because of the "pending litigation."Cellphone video shared exclusively with FOX 7 Austin shows a man being tased by two officers. According to aOn Jan. 12, 2021, it was the "worst night" of Al Leyva’s life, according to his attorney Rebecca Webber.
"Police aren't even allowed to arrest people for that level of offense. They issue a citation due to city law. So it's particularly bewildering that they would see fit to bring five officers with guns drawn," said Jordan Buckley, an activist with nonprofits Mano Amiga and the Caldwell-Hays Examiner.According to Wood’s report, Leyva responded to officers’ commands "quickly and compliantly." He exited the vehicle with his hands above his head.
According to Wood’s report, Perkins "shouted" at him to "be quiet." At this point, Leyva retrieved his cellphone and began recording the encounter. Still, the report states his hands were in view for approximately 16 seconds prior to being tased. After viewing the video, she added Officers Luke Begwin and Jordan Perkins to the lawsuit she filed on Leyva’s behalf. Originally, they were only suing Hartman, Melendrez and the City of San Marcos. "[Leyva] really decided to come forward and pursue a civil case because his hope is that Pam Watts achieves what she is trying to achieve, which is that this person, Ryan Hartman, never wears a badge, never has authority over people in Texas ever again," she said.
Video shows the officer tasked with providing the field-sobriety test walk up to Hartman and tell him, "I’m sorry this had to happen today, but accidents happen. You’re in the same line of duty as we are. So, here’s my business card, alright." The officer then walked away. The only punishment Hartman received was a traffic ticket. The San Marcos Police Department did not discipline him. Watts, recovering from a traumatic brain injury, did not begin protesting until months after the crash.
This is the same Ryan Hartman that was suspended from the force previously?