Officer Reprimanded After Dog Died During Traffic Stop
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Officer Reprimanded After Dog Died During Traffic Stop
A Central Texas police officer who pulled over a Texas couple speeding to an emergency veterinary clinic with an ailing dog that died during what the couple says was a prolonged traffic stop has been reprimanded.
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(August 20 2008)--A San Marcos police officer, who allegedly told two Texas State University students en route to an emergency veterinary clinic with their sick teacup poodle to "chill out, it's just a dog" has been reprimanded.

The San Antonio Express-News reported that Officer Paul Stephens, who allegedly told Krystal Hernandez and her boyfriend Michael Gonzalez, "You can buy another one" was made to watch the tape with his supervisor and counseled on how to improve his performance.

The dog named Missy died on Aug. 5 while the couple waited 20 minutes for a speeding ticket from the officer.

Newly released video from a police car’s dashboard camera showed the traffic stop.

Gonzalez was allegedly driving 95 miles per hour when he and Hernandez were stopped as they drove south on Interstate 35 toward the New Braunfels clinic.

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Latest Comments

Posted by: Antoinette Location: Killeen TX on Aug 25, 2008 at 05:29 PM

The officer should be found negligent since he did not offer alternatives to get help for the dog. An astute officer would have provided to the family emergency police escort to the Vetinarian.
Posted by: Don Location: Fort Worth on Aug 25, 2008 at 04:15 PM

Certainly this wasn't as bad as the officer who detained the eldery gentleman trying to get his wife to the hospital, which resulted in the lady dying. For those that don't live in Texas, 95mph on I-35 at 1am is very doable.
Posted by: Upset Location: Holland, Tx on Aug 23, 2008 at 07:51 AM

I am extremely bothered by Analyze This' statement. I hope you someday face a situation and NEED the assistance of a peace officer or any other individual who only has a "high school education" and I hope it shows you how much more intelligent they are than you. A college education doesn't make you any smarter, give you any better judgement or make you a better person. Most of the individuals provided to you for your service through your community don't have extensive education beyond their technical programs, but they are much wiser, better qualified to do their job than you could ever dream of. I cannot believe what an arrogant individual you are over nothing more than a bachelor's degree. It sounds like you have a lead foot and have been stopped one too many times and just have a little attitude against cops. Grow up!
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