Marlin police officer fired after arrest during traffic stop

TEMPLE, Texas (KWTX) — A Marlin police officer was arrested and later fired after an altercation with Texas Department of Public Safety Trooper during a traffic stop on Interstate 35.

Authorities conducted the traffic stop at approximately 9:15 p.m. Oct. 23 on a vehicle for speeding along IH-35 in Temple.

The driver, identified as Bernard Ronald Ketter, became irate during the stop and was arrested for resisting arrest/search/transport, according to DPS.

Ketter was booked into the Bell County Jail. He was employed as a police officer with the Marlin Police Department.

The Marlin Police Department placed Ketter on suspension with pay on Oct. 24, until an internal affairs investigation was completed.

Following the investigation, officials determined that Ketter’s conduct during the incident did not meet the standards of professionalism, discipline and integrity required of a sworn police officer.

“The behavior displayed during this incident does not reflect the values, integrity, or expectations of the Marlin Police Department,” Chief Hommel said in a statement. “Our officers are held to the highest standards of professionalism, both on and off duty. Actions that compromise public trust and the reputation of this department will not be tolerated.”

The department said it remains committed to transparency, accountability and maintaining the trust of the community it serves.