Central Texas Weather and News Authority
Home  ·   News  ·   Weather  ·   Sports  ·   Politics  ·   Job Board TV  ·   CarSoup  ·   Food  ·   Calendar  ·   TV  ·   Contact Us  ·   10 Cares  ·   Our Town Texas
Dot Com Daily · KWTX To Go · Desktop Alert · Fun & Games · Green Page · Soldier Greetings
The National Weather Service has issued a RED FLAG WARNING in effect until 6 pm for Bell, Bosque, Coryell, Falls, Freestone, Hamilton, Hill, Lampasas, Leon, Limestone, McLennan, Milam, Mills, Navarro, Robertson, and Williamson counties in Central Texas. The combination of strong south winds, low relative humidity, and dry vegetation will create an extreme danger for grass fires across Central Texas this afternoon.
Win Tickets to the David Phelps Christmas Concert!
KWTX Gift Shoppe - Shop Now!
2008 High School Playoffs
Week 4 Pairings
Poll Question
There are currently no active polls at this time.
Click here to view other polls on our site and past poll results.
Show and Tell
Youc@st
Upload your favorite videos and pictures!
Blogs
Random thoughts by the News 10 team. Leave us your comments!
iWitness
You see it, you report it. News by you. Submit your news stories and photos.
News 10 My Way
KWTX.com
Make KWTX.com your browser's homepage.

.com Daily
Your News and weather and sports delivered to your inbox weekday mornings. Sign Up Now!

KWTX To Go
Anytime. Anywhere. Now you can get News 10 on your wireless device.

Desktop Alert
Get instant weather and news on your desktop. Download News 10 Alert FREE!
Texas Gas Prices
Officer Reprimanded After Dog Died During Traffic Stop Save Email Print
79 comments
A | A | A

(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.

Read The Original Story
More Stories
Elderly Driver Freed On Bond After Parade Crash

Report: Fort Hood Soldier Died Of Drug Overdose While Home On Leave

Fire Heavily Damages Another Central Texas Home

Former First Lady Released From Hospital

 Teenage Girl Accused Of Suffocating Infant With Teddy Bear

Former Texas Inmate Denied Bond In Murders Of Daughter, Friend

Early-Morning Fire Leaves Four Families Homeless

Second Man Pleads Guilty In Pot-Smoking-Toddlers Case
Post Your Comments
First Name:
Location:
Enter Comments: characters left
Email (optional):
Email will not be displayed on site. For station contact purpose only.
Read Comments
Comments are posted from viewers like you and do not always reflect the views of this station.
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!
Posted by: Anonymous Location: Charlotte on Aug 22, 2008 at 04:36 PM
Really people? You think this police officer should be fired for this? Yes, he should have been more sensitive. But here's a story for you - A police officer in Columbus, OH suffered puncture wounds from a dog during a traffic stop and didn't even cite the driver. He took all precautions actually by having the person he pulled over roll their window up and take the time to get the dog situated before he continued with the traffic stop. The dog was even calm right before s/he bit the police officer. Technically, he could have ordered the dog be euthanized, but he didn't. He didn't do anything except say, "I'm glad it was me and not a child." I think people are messed up for thinking pets are on the same level as humans. I love animals, and I'm not saying you can't love your pet as you would a child, but I don't think you should ever look at your loved ones (humans) and think for one second, "hmmm...gosh this is a tough one" if you had to choose between them.
Posted by: Janie Location: Huubard on Aug 22, 2008 at 01:10 PM
What would you have said if they killed someone going 95 to take there dog to the ER? I know we would have some great comments on WHERE WAS THE COP'S
Posted by: Juli Location: Buffalo, Tx on Aug 22, 2008 at 07:37 AM
If the officer had any feelings for an animal the traffic stop would'nt have taken 20 minutes. Why did it take 20 min? What point was the officer trying to make? No traffic stop I have ever been invloved in has taken 20 min. I was stopped by Highway Patrol in Jasper Tx for 20 miles over the speed limit because my dog had been shot. Yes I was issued a citation but the officer excorted me to the vet and was very caring and understanding. They can still do their job and thank god some of them understand humanity and the way people feel about their animals apparently this officer could'nt care less about this animal and I just wonder how he feels about anything or anyone. What if it were his mother, I sure he would be doing the speed limit. I am aware an animal is not your mother but to some of us they are as important. And to your mayor we will bring this up at the next election and see how it works for you as a campaign bid.
Posted by: Uhhhh what?? on Aug 22, 2008 at 01:30 AM
Whay havent these people been charged with reckless driving or something? Oh and Its a DOG not a person. Anyone who puts a dog over the life of a person has no common sense. Have we become that stupid that we cant see the difference or just want to make ourselves feel better for being at the top of the food chain.
Posted by: anonymous Location: Austin on Aug 21, 2008 at 10:53 PM
Who is anyone to judge this policeman. Were you there? The guy with the dog should have pulled over and asked the officer to escort him. He should not have been going that fast. People, believe it or not, there are people in this world who do not look at dogs the way a lot do. I, for one, love animals but if this guy racing down the highway had injured a human trying to save his dog, we wouldn't be discussing this. We would be outraged at the guy with the dog. I hope this policeman gets off
Posted by: Sam Bam Location: CenTx on Aug 21, 2008 at 08:59 PM
Maybe, the dog died due to the high rate of speed or sudden stop! Either way, a ticket at 95 would make my heart skip or even worse, wallet shrinkage.
Posted by: Jeanne Location: Detroit on Aug 21, 2008 at 08:33 PM
To Jimmy of Belton, & Mary of Valley Mills: I am not going to stoop to name calling as you have, but I will say that non caring insensitive people that show no concern for pet parents make me sick! For some pet owners our pets are like our children, because all of us can't have kids, and as far as me thinking that a pet is equal to a human, I don't feel that way, but ain't no way in H--- you, or anyone else can tell me that I don't love my dog, just as much as you love your children, he is my baby! and if you all had a heart, you would show more compassion for a person that has lost a pet, instead of saying it is just a dog, go by another one, my point when I said it is just a child go have another one is to simply let you insensitive people realize that we love our pets just as much as you love your children, and since you show no compassion for us, then why in the H--- should we show compassion for you! sure we can buy another dog, but it won't be the same one that we love right now
Posted by: none Location: USA on Aug 21, 2008 at 08:18 PM
Forced at gunpoint to watch a loved-one slowy choke and die when help was just a few minutes away... I can not think of a more horrible form of psychological torture. I hope they sue and bankrupt that terrorist organization known as the San Marcos police!
Posted by: CONCERNED Location: WACO on Aug 21, 2008 at 07:31 PM
All this is very interesting but to "Analyze this" I am very disgusted that someone can graduate from college and still be so UNeducated. Sad, sad, day for higher education if you really do hold a degree. These comment sections are always amusing due to stupid people telling the world how smart and "educated" they are when a picture is worth a thousand words. The picture being their inability to correctly write the English language.
Posted by: Ranger22 Location: Austin, TX on Aug 21, 2008 at 03:35 PM
AnalizeThis!, went to an "accredit" college. Wow, to be so educated, you sure do have alot of grammatical errors. In order to be an officer in most departments you need a four year degree or equivalent military experience. I have eleven, that's "11" for you AnalizeThis!, of military experience and seven "7", again for you, in the Sheriff's department. It takes more than just book smarts to deal with people on the street. Sometime emotions get the best of you, especially in high tension situations, as this seemed to be. I don't think you would have the common sense to do a job like this, let alone react to when the time need be. So just sit back in your happy world, protected by us "Uneducated po folk". You know, a thank you would suffice. But even people like you still deserve to be protected, unfortunately. Thats the country we live in. What I fought and still fight to protect for you. Take a ride along with your local department some day, then report back.
Posted by: seriously... Location: waco on Aug 21, 2008 at 02:58 PM
Analyze this... calm down.
Posted by: The Patriot Location: Texas on Aug 21, 2008 at 02:12 PM
Can we expect anything but "stupidity" from an illiterate in Tennessee?
Posted by: Ann Location: Temple on Aug 21, 2008 at 01:19 PM
"Analyze This", I have heard about you for years. I know your real name - "Educated Fool". Shame on you for the way you talked about police officers. I may not agree with the way some handle situations but most of them are here to serve and protect and they take their job seriously.
Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Aug 21, 2008 at 12:44 PM
To This is Rediculous: I dont have a hard time believing you care for your dog as much as your mom cares for you.
Posted by: Angie Location: Moody on Aug 21, 2008 at 11:34 AM
I have to agree with Madmax....Have you (Analyze this)looked at the requirements for becoming a police officer. Obviously not, because you wouldn't say what you are. College is a requirement. And eventhough they may not get paid as well as they should, because they have to put up with people like you, they do get a decent pay. I am an absolute dog lover (I have two myself), but endangering the public by going 95 miles an hour is insane. I don't always follow the speed limit exactly, but 25 miles over is a bit much and on a busy highway like 35. If it is such an emergency, maybe a closer clinic should have been picked, so they wouldn't had to do 95 mpg.? Just wondering.
Posted by: Law Dog Location: TEXAS on Aug 21, 2008 at 11:21 AM
To those of you who would criticize this officer walk a mile in his shoes. Have you spent the 2 years neccesary in training to become a Texas Peace Officer and be able to ride solo? The speed at which this man was going is classified as Reckless ENDANGERMENT! The officer's training alerted him to this and when the man did not pull over his training required that he handle this as a high speed pursuit. Have you ever been in one? This officer put his life at risk for YOU the TAXPAYERS that time and everytime he pulls over a speeder! Hypocrites.
Posted by: Mary Location: Valley Mills on Aug 21, 2008 at 11:19 AM
To:JeanneLocation:DET on Aug 20,2008 at 06:09 PM..You're an idiot!!To compare losing a child to an animal is disgusting!!!I have lost both pets and children(2).And there is NO comparison.NONE.And for you to say that a parent can just have another child,like OH Well..You have NO idea what it's like to give birth to a child and then lose that child later and then to bury that child.I wouldn't wish the loss of a child on any human being.I have lost several pets over the years,that pain goes away, but losing your child NEVER does.Your brain and heart must be made of stone for you to say such things.And just so you know,you CANNOT replace a living being that you carried in you for 9 months and then gave birth to.Having a child will never replace the two I lost.AND,what you didn't stop to think about is,what about the parents who can't have anymore children,since you think we can just go out in your words,*have another child*? Yes you can go & buy another pet, but you can't replace a child.
Posted by: Randy Location: Bruceville on Aug 21, 2008 at 10:28 AM
You people need to get a hobby or something. IT'S A DOG!!!!!
Posted by: The Truth Location: Waco on Aug 21, 2008 at 10:18 AM
This officer did nothing wrong. IT'S A DOG! The driver is acting like an idiot. If he was that emotional over a dog he surely did not need to be driving at all much less 95 miles an hour. 14 minute traffic stop, not 20. If he keeps his mouth shut, his emotions in check, and stops as soon as the officer turns on his lights behind him then he's back on the road in no time. The guy should have been arrested on the spot. If he thinks that much of a dog then move next to the animal clinic. You animal loving, tree hugging hippies need to get a life.
Posted by: This is RIDICULOUS Location: Waco on Aug 21, 2008 at 10:07 AM
This is completely ridiculous. That cop should be reprimanded for being a jerk. I can't have kids and my dog is my kid. So to all of you that say a pet is not the same as a human. BS!!!!! My dog means just as much to me as I do to my mom. There is no difference. People need to understand that. He was just a jerk with some authority and people with that type of attitude don't need to be in any kind of position that has any kind of authority. To the couple, I pray for you and for your loss.
Posted by: Jimmy Location: Belton on Aug 21, 2008 at 08:16 AM
Jeanne Location:DET. You are a warped individual if you even try to equate the life of a pet with the life of a child. I've lost both, and let me tell you, I am over the loss of the pet. I love pets as much as anyone, but to say their life is equivalent to that of a human being is ridiculous.
Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Aug 21, 2008 at 08:09 AM
I think "Too many Fifes" and a lot of other people on here need to take a few courtesy rides with members of thier local Police department and see what its like and how dangerous a traffic stop can be. You can read about it almost daily about a cop who was injured or killed suring a "Routine" stop. Until you walk a mile in thier shoes.....shut up
Posted by: To many Fifes Location: Not enough Andys on Aug 21, 2008 at 05:39 AM
This cop suffers from BFS Barney Fife syndrome. Instead of making this situation better, he showed his authority and put his foot in his mouth. It’s all about the ego baby. I think he should be taught how to offer compassion and defuse situations instead of shooting his mouth off. In one simple move he could have been a hero, write the ticket, put one of the kids and the pup in his car, turned on his lights and driven them to the vet. I’ve seen them use the lights to get through intersections for no emergency reason, so why not an animal emergency? I also feel he should write a letter of apology to the kids for his remarks as well as retrain.
Posted by: Wacoan on Aug 21, 2008 at 03:02 AM
I think this was a hard situation for everyone involved. I pray for healing to the couple who lost their pet. I also pray for the policeman's safety as he goes about his work of serving the community (very hard job). Everyone makes mistakes such as driving 95mph and crossing the professional boundary, but hopefully everyone can learn something from this experience.
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 21, 2008 at 12:12 AM
i would have TAZED an arrested the IDIOT!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: ha on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:33 PM
I think there are somethings missing, like how did the dog get injured? Why was the driver out of the car? So the Chief wants his officers to write speeding tickets in two minutes. Great now other speeders that officers pull over that do have something to hide know that they will only get a ticket and be on their way in two minutes if they tell the officer their dog is dieing. Drive the speed limit and be responsible for your actions. Make the roads safer for yourself and other drivers around you.
Posted by: Wife&Sister on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:24 PM
To Analyze This: You are pathetic! Wow, you really need a reality check. You sit there on your computer insulting the very people who protect you every single day of your life. Not only are you an ungracious jerk, you are a coward. I would love to see you try to do what police officers do everyday. You seem to be laboring under the delusion that college degrees really make a difference on the street. What matters out there is whether or not you can resolve the situation without hurting someone or getting hurt yourself. They risk their lives each time they put on that uniform, and you could care less. I have to watch my husband and big brother go to work everyday and wonder if they will come back alive. And it's all for people like yourself. Your comments make me absolutely sick.
Posted by: Laura Location: Waco on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Not saying that going 95 at anytime is right but, I really dont think this guy would have been going that fast in the middle of the day. You can see on the video that it's 12:41AM, ya know around that time of day when there arent a whole lot of people on the road!?!? I feel sorry for these people and yes I do believe that "MR. IT's JUST A DOG YOU CAN BUY ANOTHER ONE" should have to go to counciling and he should also have to work in a emergency animal clinc, that might do him some good!! And so what if he gets fired for his actions... after all it is "just a job, he can get another one!"
Posted by: anonymous Location: waco on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:10 PM
To: Karen..right on! I don't believe that b.s. either! Analyze this & bad cop:not doughnuts,(LOL), I think you two are actually the same person! The grammar is just too similar. For someone who claims to be sooo EDUCATED, you missed some classes in grammar! The officer did the right thing. He just should have showed a little sympathy! Of course, we don't see the whole video of what happened. I don't think I would have been too sympathetic trying to pull over someone driving at 95mph, who also didn't pull over for awhile. I would have been nervous that my life was in danger, it happens all too often where an officer is shot or assaulted from pulling someone over. I would be wondering why they didn't go to a vet in their own city. It sounds like the dog would have died anyway, even if they had made it to their destination without killing someone. Maybe they should ask themselves if the dog would have survived if they had taken it to a closer vet! Looks they also had poor judgment.
Posted by: Madmax Location: Killeen on Aug 20, 2008 at 06:15 PM
Oh my goodness, has anybody seen this stupid petition? http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/248002209 All I can say is, what a joke!!!! Yes, the Officer should be disciplined for being rude, no doubt about that. Besides that, he made an honest mistake and does not deserve to lose his job. Let's reverse the roles here. If that guy was driving 95 miles per hour crashed into an innocent family, would thier opinions change??? Absolutely.... But they're all liberals, so who cares?? Anyways, give the Officer a reprimand and maybe some counseling, then let him learn from a mistake..
Posted by: Jeanne Location: DET on Aug 20, 2008 at 06:09 PM
I feel that the officer was not reprimanded enough, and in response to the statement that Anonymous made about dogs being replaced and people can't, I beg to differ, you can buy another dog, but it won't be the same one that you have grown to love and care for, if a person died you can replace them to, just like buying another dog, all of these heartless people on this site that don't care for pets that lose a child, can just go have another one, just like they feel the pet owner can go buy another one!!! and experience the same difference that pet owners feel, it won't be the same dog or person, but both pet owners and parents can either go buy another dog, or go have another child. I think it is very heartless for anyone to tell a pet parent to just go buy another one, how would you parents feel if you lost you child and someone said oh its just a child, go have another one!! My dog is my baby, and believe me when I say he means just as much to me as your human children mean 2 U!
Posted by: Madmax Location: Killeen on Aug 20, 2008 at 06:07 PM
Hey ANALYZE THIS, I am Graduate Student and a Police Officer. Education had nothing to do with that traffic stop. That Officer just let his emotions take over. You my friend, are an EMBARASSMENT with your statement because of your mispelled words and grammatical errors. YOU are a prime example that proves a degree DOES NOT mean a thing.... Trust me, Police Officers are not low class, low payed (eventhough a raise wouldn't hurt,) nor low educated. How about you go back to school and pay attention for once and hit me back up on this board when you learn something!
Posted by: Jimmy Location: Belton on Aug 20, 2008 at 05:30 PM
Anon. I do need my head examined because, for the life of me, I cannot comprehend why so many people think the officer was wrong for doing his job. Since you seem to know everything, maybe you can explain it. As for the couple that ran to Mexico, I simply said "Innocent until proven guilty." Oh wait, that goes against your philosophy. What's wrong with letting the judicial system work? I guess if they would have had a puppy with them when they ran, it would have made it ok?
Posted by: mr. belvedere Location: a high place on Aug 20, 2008 at 05:19 PM
chill out everyone. it's just a dog.
Posted by: David Location: Gatesville on Aug 20, 2008 at 05:15 PM
San Marcos police officer Paul Stephens should be fired. It took him 20 min to write a speeding ticket does he even have a high school diploma. he is disgrace to the police in San Marcos. would you dial 911 in an emergency knowing that they have Officers of his caliber on the San Marcos police Force it makes them all look bad.
Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Aug 20, 2008 at 03:54 PM
Analyze this - I have severe doubts about your claims of being educated. It sounds to me that your bitter over being busted for huffing or maybe shoplifting. The first thing I thought when I saw all your UPPERCASE and lowercase writing was "what an idiot" Then I read what you wrote and that confirmed it. Why dont you go back to your room over your parents garage, grab a tube of glue and leave the writing to others.
Posted by: Trudy Location: Kempner, Texas on Aug 20, 2008 at 03:10 PM
Bad Cop! Not Dounoughts!!! you really need to learn how to write! I really don't think the Police are going to miss your penny donation. This policeman should NOT BE FIRED. Reprimanded, yes, but NOT FIRED! He did the community a service by stopping this idiot doing 95 MPH on I-35 - what a jerk! I feel bad that the dog died, but come on - use your pea brain!!!
Posted by: Jacquelyn Smith Location: Valley Mills on Aug 20, 2008 at 02:04 PM
I think he should be made to do some community service at an animal emergency clinic and see how sick or injured some of these pets are. It might improve his compassion for our 4 legged friends.
Posted by: mom in tx Location: here on Aug 20, 2008 at 02:02 PM
Isnt that what your emergency flashers are for? Danny if your child was close to death would you care about other drivers or would you do your best to get your baby to the emergency room in a hurry? That is what the flashers are on a vehicle for. A cop should see the flashers and in a real emergency they would either give you a police escort to the hospital or call an ambulance to the scene. The officer was correct with the ticket but he could have followed them to the vet and gave them the ticket there. Not kept them on the road for longer then he had too which made the dog die.
Posted by: BAD COP! NOT DOUNOUGHTS!!! Location: KNOXIVILLE, TENNESSEE on Aug 20, 2008 at 01:51 PM
Posted by: I'll NEVER DONATE MONEY OVER THE PHONE to PD WHEN THEY CALL MY HOUSE AND ASK FOR A DONATION on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:55 AM I can see from one of the readings that the cops in other countries are far more efficient than in the United States, then the cops in America complain why they don’t get pay better, for the service they give, they don’t diserve more than a penny an hour. What this cop diserve is being FIRED, being SUE and loose the priviledge to serve the community for endangerment and cruelty to an animal. The dog die, hey! How THEY say to the community “You do the crime, you do the time!” That is EXACTLY what this cop should be doing JAIL TIME! From time to time the police department call my house to ask for MONEY donation, because of this I WILL NEVER DONATE A SINGLE PENNEY TO THE POLICE DEPARTMENT WHEN THEY CALL, NEVER! In name of this dog who died….
Posted by: ANALYZE THIS! Location: TENNESSEE on Aug 20, 2008 at 01:48 PM
In America, to become a police officer you don't need more than just a HIGH SCHOOL diploma as a minimun requirement. Think about the next time you are driving somewhere and you see a cop driving around in his "police car" he/she does NOT have any more education than just another high school kid. I have more education than a cop that is why I hold a bachelor degree from an accredit university. The police academy DOES NOT equalize the education that you can obtain at an accredited university, therefore their judgements are to be POOR, because their education is just as POOR. All they are tought at the police academy is FORCE and most than anything physical training, what good can come out of that and IF they are fitted folks with a discent sense of judgement, maybe, "WE" the community can be a little bit more lucky when we are stopped by one of this LOW CLASS, LOW PAY and LOW EDUCATED police officers. The age and education requirement to enter the police academy are VERY LOW! A twenty one year officer cannot make as good judgement as a person who is full grown, mature and EDUCATED and this is why there are broken homes and destroyed families in this country. The low judgment that this cop portrayed toward this couple does not suprise me in any way, shape or form, because how much can he acquired from the police academy and how much was he been asked to know BEFORE he entered the police academy? It is not more than just another high school grad. As long as they don't raise the minimun pre-requirements and post-requirements there will always be cops like the one who denied help to that innocent's dog life and another citizen who suffer the consequences
Posted by: MONIKA on Aug 20, 2008 at 01:09 PM
David I could not have said that any better than you did. i have dogs myself and if one were in need of emergency medical attention i would have done the same thing. he could have escorted them to the vet. then wrote the ticket he should be made to replace the dog if that is possible in the eyes of the dogs owner.
Posted by: TERRY Location: TEMPLE on Aug 20, 2008 at 12:34 PM
let me get on the highway.I make that 95m.p.h. look like child play! I can not stand for poeple who does 65 in 70 m.p.h. zone.
Posted by: Tex on Aug 20, 2008 at 12:31 PM
This is for Lorie,Are you kidding,the police should have given them a police escort! You and the rest of some of these college students don't have a clue to what is going on in this world and everything is not M-tv like so please go back to picking your nose and just read what is on the board.
Posted by: Karen Location: waco on Aug 20, 2008 at 12:22 PM
to: me, location: laughing, you are an idiot, I highly doubt that you got pulled over doing 96 and they let you go with no ciation, you are so F.O.S.!
Posted by: George Location: Kosse on Aug 20, 2008 at 12:19 PM
The officers could have escorted them to the hosiptal and then gave the ticket. Thats what I would of told them as I drove off to get my animal help. Actually I would have not stopped I would call 911 on the phone and explained the problem. To Danny-- humans are not equal to animals. Humans are the only creature on this earth who will kill for no reason than for fun. So in that respect most animals desearve to live over humans. As far as it taking twenty minutes- that was the officer delaying on purpose-- so I think he should of got more than "a talking to"...
Posted by: Kenneth Location: Waco on Aug 20, 2008 at 12:02 PM
Gonzalez should have been arrested. He put EVERYBODY'S lives in danger with his driving! Take his license away from him.
Posted by: David Location: Colorado on Aug 20, 2008 at 11:59 AM
I ask everyone the question "Have you ever had a time in life where common sense was lost to the situtation at hand". These people were trying to deal with this trauma. Did they deal with it correctly? No. Should they be ticketed. Yes. "What if's" aside, the individuals were stopped before any of the "if's" happened. Now the future is in the hands of the officer. He chose poorly. He could have represented himself and his department with pride and digity and maybe saved a life. Either way, if the dog had lived or died, if he had helped as he should have, he and his department would have shined. He chose to exert his authority with utter disregard for life. Is this someone that I want in a position of power? No. Should he be terminated for his actions? No. Should charges of cruelty to animals be filed? Yes. When he stopped the vehicle, he took on the responsibility for all the occupants, including the dog. Was it just a dog? No. It was a member of a family, a family now in mourning.
Posted by: me Location: copperas cove on Aug 20, 2008 at 11:49 AM
Sorry that the dog died but would you had rather it been a family?
Posted by: Kim Location: Waco on Aug 20, 2008 at 11:05 AM
Well Said El Guapo!!
Posted by: danny Location: waco on Aug 20, 2008 at 10:23 AM
I have to agree with the officer. I'm sick of people treating dogs as equals to humans. If they were equal they'd be capable of having jobs and buying their own food and housing. Had this been a sick baby in the car, you are still not legally allowed to speed and disregard a police officer trying to pull you over. Im not a cold hearted person and it sucks that the dog died, but public safety does trump over everything else. Would PETA defend this guy and criticize the officer had this guy killed a family in a minivan because of his recklessness. Sad to say, but they would, because PETA doesnt care about people.This guy was a rookie, and ALL rookies make mistakes and learn from them, but he was not out of line for chastising the driver. Its not like he put his gun to the dogs head and shot it, this dog was probably gonna die regardless.
Posted by: Anon Location: CenTex on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:34 AM
One part that you don't see on this video that you can see on another website, is another officer on the scene who is calm and telling the g/f that she understands how they feel because she has dogs too that she loves and even tries to revive the pup. This is the kind of response the chief says he wants his rookie to learn in cases like this. Any officer should and would have stopped this guy driving like a maniac. Yes, it's their job. Is it their job to act like a lunatic too? Jimmy in Belton, maybe you are the one that needs your head examined. You were the one supporting those 2 child molesters that ran to Mexico.
Posted by: me Location: laughing on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:32 AM
I can do 95 in my sleep... you people are funny...lollolololol... most of you drive too slow I got pulled over once for doing 96 and the cop let me go... it was in Dallas........... flame away turtles
Posted by: Lorie Location: Waco, TX on Aug 20, 2008 at 09:26 AM
Well I see it this way. Yeah the guy was speeding, but the officer shouldn't have talked crazy to him like that. He was in an emotional state and doesn't know what the guy could have done. Some times people get angry and act on it. But Thank God he didn't and that no one was hurt. But it is sad that the little dog had to die. I wish the office could have gave the guy a police escort to the vet and then given the guy a ticket. I guess some people just don't think sometimes when something like that is going on. I know if my dog was sick I would rush to save her life. I'm not lying. But we never know what we'll really do till we are in that situation.
Posted by: El Guapo Location: Around on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:39 AM
Yes, maybe the officer should have been a little more tactful, but he is in the right for pulling the couple over. I'm sorry about the dog, but you have no right to put everyone else in danger by speeding. To Gayr in Marlin - Yes I have been on I-35 lately, and many people do speed and drive like maniacs, but just because everyone is doing it doesn't make it legal. These people broke the law. As for the argument that "The dog was sick and they just wanted to get it help". The law is the law, you either followed it or you didn't. If my pet needs an operation, and I can't afford it, am I justified in robbing a bank to pay for it. The dog is a member of my family. Yes, I robbed teh bank and broke the law, but I was just concerned with getting help for my sick dog. Doesn't hold much water - El Gaupo
Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:33 AM
granted the officer COULD have handled it better, the guy should have gone to jail or at least received a ticket. dogs can be replaced, people cannot. the driver is just another contender of the Darwin award. everything has gotten so PC that you cant even tell people to chill without hurting someones feelings. actually that LEO was pretty forgiving to give him just a citation.
Posted by: Karen Location: waco on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:32 AM
Marilyn, yeah good luck with that petition! They were wrong for driving that fast, he was wrong for what he said, but he shouldn't lose his job over it!!
Posted by: LN Location: Robinson on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:30 AM
I like how the video was edited and showed how bad the guy was treated but not much of how he was treating the officer. What the heck did he expect after being caught doing 95 and then not stopping immediately after the lights came on, but instead kept going for awhile? The guy COULD have gone to jail. I have to agree with the cop on this one. The chief needs his head examined.
Posted by: B on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:23 AM
LOL...I just watched the video, and the last line about the rookie mistake is exactly what I was thinking. THis is a cop who just thought he was bigger and badder than the next guy. However, he shouldn't lose his job cause some guy lost his dog because HE was driving unsafely.
Posted by: gary Location: marlin on Aug 20, 2008 at 08:00 AM
i have read all i want to about the 95 miles an hour speeding. for the people that keep bringing this to mind, when is the last time you drove on I35?????????????
Posted by: ginny Location: cove on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:46 AM
i still say they shouldn't have waited till the dog was that sick. i love my fur baby to pieces but don't drive that fast and why not take it to a closer vet? GOD BLESS the poor little fur baby
Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:32 AM
I have to agree with Animal lover. This guy was a danger to others on the road. The officer was a horses behind but his main job is to protect others.
Posted by: CommonSense Location: Waco on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:15 AM
I agree with Animal Lover. Going 95 miles per hour endangers PEOPLE - including the driver and his girlfriend - and especially under the conditions Mr. Gonzalez was driving. For those of you who are still worried about the poodle, has it escaped your attention that the dog's life was in more danger because of Gonzalez's wreckless driving? The policeman should have behaved better. But I absolutely do NOT think he should be investigated, much less fired. Not to sound harsh, but if Teacup was so ill she died that quickly, she most likely wouldn't have lived anyway. I'm tempted to put an alternative petition on "http://www.thepetitionsite.com" that asks, "If you think your life should be put in danger because a dog is sick, sign the petition." I'll bet not many people sign ... how about you? Folks, don't miss the big picture like the reporter who wrote this story, who seems to think the injustice was done to the dog and not to the drivers of I-35 and their families.
Posted by: fedguy Location: austin on Aug 20, 2008 at 07:11 AM
Another inbred good ole boy swollen ego wanna be cop. Counseling my butt, he's going to be a future problem for this p.d., "questionable stops, searches, citations etc etc. Transfer him to the sanitation dept a.s.a.p., patrol the dump.
Posted by: Jimmy Location: Belton on Aug 20, 2008 at 06:49 AM
I'm 100% behind the officer. I think the chief needs his head examined for not backing his officer more. You have a raving lunatic that was stopped for running in excess of 95 miles an hour down the interstate. The man should have been taken to jail. I could care less if his dog was dying or not, you can't put the rest of the traveling public in danger. Get over it. Animals die. People die. It happens.
Posted by: Billy Location: Plymouth on Aug 20, 2008 at 03:50 AM
I'm a professional driver; fire, ambulance. The days of "Drive it like you stole it" for training are long since past. Operating in those conditions would give me pause & I'm a 20 year veteran! The driver of the car is terrifying! I believe all life is sacred & I have a dozen cats & I sympathize with the couple, but they were making a bad decsion. The officer made another one with his horriffic attitude. Hopefully they'll all have the opportunity to learn from this mistake & improve themselves.
Posted by: Marilyn Location: Mason, Texas on Aug 20, 2008 at 12:18 AM
If you think this sorry excuse for a police officer should be fired, please sign this petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/1/fire-san-marcos-police-officer-paul-stephens
Posted by: Citizen Location: Waco on Aug 19, 2008 at 11:41 PM
I can understand the man being emotionally about his dying dog, but he was clearly in the wrong. What was he thinking. Had he or his passenger or another driver been seriously hurt or killed in an accident caused by his emotional well being plus excessive speeed, what then? I love animals, but human life is more important here. Yes, the officer might have handled it better, but he must have been frustrated with this situation.
Posted by: Marilyn Location: Mason, TX on Aug 19, 2008 at 09:36 PM
If you think this officer should be fired, please sign the petition: http://www.thepetitionsite.com/petition/248002209 Thank you.
Posted by: The Patriot Location: Texas on Aug 19, 2008 at 08:59 PM
This dashcam video shows much more of the officer's demeanor than the one I saw on KXAN station. Officers are trained to defuse situations like this instead of being a horse's behind. Too bad he choose to be the latter. I see now why he's being required to go to counseling sessions.
Posted by: Animal Lover Location: Central Texas on Aug 19, 2008 at 07:58 PM
I am an animal lover who cannot stand to see any animal hurt, but the pet owner was in the wrong here. He endangered every driver on I-35 for a possibility of saving his dog, and I'm sorry, you have to place human life over that of an animal. The cops attitude needs to be adjusted, and he ought to have to apologize for it, but 95 mph on an interstate highway, in a highly emotional state after dark? The guy was as dangerous to the public as a driver under the influence. He is lucky he didn't kill himself, or someone else!
Latest Video
AP Video
KWTX.com Features
Double Dollar Deals
Half Price Deals at Central Texas restaurants and businesses. A new deal every Thursday at 7:00am.
KWTX Half Price Gift Shoppe
Holiday shopping on a budget! Check out the Holiday Half-Off Gift Shoppe at KWTX.com, where you will find $50 gift certificates for only $25, beginning November 10th.
Golden Apple
Your chance to nominate an outstanding teacher. Find out how they are making a difference in classrooms.
Emily Wants to Know
Emily Matthews' inquisitive look at life in Central Texas.
10 On Your Side
Answers from our experts on topics that affect YOU.
Soldier Stories
Stories about what the men and women deployed overseas are doing to make a difference.
Chef Walter
Need a fresh idea for dinner? Check out thousands of FREE recipes
Station Information
Job Board TV
See the latest video job postings.
Program Guide
Check out when your favorite TV programs are on.
Contact News 10
Information about KWTX.		 Meet the News 10 Team
Read about your favorite News 10 personalities.
Job of the Week
Click now to see hundreds of other jobs on Job Board TV!

Part-Time Registered Nurse Labor and Delivery Dept. (7P - 7A) - Qualified candidates must possess a Texas license with two (2) years of experience preferred. Minimum requirement of Associate Degree Nursing (ADN).



Also, take a look at the most recent jobs posted to Job Board TV at KWTX.com:
 View More Jobs.
 
Home - News - Weather - Sports - Politics - Job Board TV - CarSoup - Food - Calendar - TV - Contact Us - 10 Cares - Our Town Texas -
Dot Com Daily - KWTX To Go - Desktop Alert - Fun & Games - Green Page - Soldier Greetings -
Terms of Use - Privacy Policy - EEO Statement - FCC Form 388
Gray Television, Inc. - Copyright © 2002-2008 - Designed and Powered by Clickability