ROYSE CITY, Texas - A Royse City police officer has been fired after an internal investigation determined he violated department policies and standards during an Aug. 3 incident in the Creekside neighborhood that resulted in an excessive use of force complaint.
The Royse City Police Department announced that its Internal Affairs investigation into the incident has concluded. The officer, whose name was not released, had been placed on administrative leave following the encounter.
According to the department, investigators determined the officer's actions and conduct violated departmental standards, policies and procedures. As a result, his employment with the Royse City Police Department was terminated.
Three other Royse City officers involved in the same incident were cleared by the investigation. The department determined their actions were justified and complied with departmental policy.
Charges Dropped Against 18-Year-Old Woman
Police also reviewed the arrests of two women during the Aug. 3 encounter.
The department determined that it will not pursue criminal charges against an 18-year-old woman who was arrested during the incident.
However, police plan to refer charges against a 35-year-old woman to the Collin County District Attorney's Office for Interference with Public Duties and Resisting Arrest.
The department said state law prohibits using physical force against an officer to interfere with or resist an arrest, even when the person believes the arrest is unjustified.
Police are also attempting to identify a third person who allegedly struck an officer in the face during the confrontation. If that person is identified, the department said it intends to refer potential charges of Interference with Public Duties and Assault on a Peace Officer.
The department did not provide additional details about what prompted the original police encounter or describe the specific actions by the terminated officer that investigators determined constituted violations.
Royse City Police said it would not tolerate misconduct by its officers and would take action when violations occur. At the same time, the department said people who physically interfere with officers or assault them while they are performing their duties will be held accountable.
The Internal Affairs investigation is now closed, while the criminal investigation remains ongoing.
