Dashcam video of teen’s controversial arrest released without comment

The Lampasas County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday released dashcam and bodycam video of the arrest of a teenager that sparked controversy after a cellphone recording of the incident went viral.

The sheriff’s office released the more than 13 minutes of video without comment Wednesday afternoon.

The video, just as the earlier cellphone video that circulated on social media, appears to show law enforcement officers holding the teenager down and punching him several times.

A Lampasas County deputy was placed on administrative leave pending the investigation into the arrest early in the morning on May 25.

In a press release issued after the incident, Lampasas County Sheriff Jess Ramos said the sheriff's office and Lampasas Police Department responded to a report of an "erratic driver" at around 3:15 a.m. May 25 on southbound U.S. Highway 281.

Ramos said Lampasas County Deputy Logan Jones stopped the vehicle driven by 18-year-old Quinton Cruce at the 200 block of Key Avenue in Lampasas.

Cruce was arrested for resisting arrest, assault of a public servant, driving while intoxicated, and interfering with public duties, authorities said.

A passenger in the car, 18-year-old Gage Blackwell, was also arrested for assault of a public servant, resisting arrest, interfering with public duties, and minor in consumption of alcohol.

Another passenger, a 17-year-old girl, was not arrested.

"The Lampasas County Sheriff's Office is aware of a video that has been circulated on social media," Ramos said in the May 25 press release.

"The sheriff's office has contacted the prosecutor's office and has requested the assistance of an outside law enforcement agency to review and thoroughly conduct the use of force in making these arrests. As standard practice, Deputy Logan has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of this investigation."

Lampasas Police Chief Sammi Bailey said one of her department's officers was present during the arrest, and the video is being reviewed.

"As is standard, we review all use of force incidents where a Lampasas Police Department officer is present," Bailey said in a press release on May 25.

The Texas Rangers have taken over the case, Department of Public Safety Sgt. Dave Roberts said, but will release no information until the investigation is completed.