Eagle Pass Police Detective Raul Gonzalez Appeal Denied

(PRESS RELEASE) On March 3, 2017 Chief of Police Alberto Guajardo terminated then Sergeant Raul Gonzalez for excessive force after striking a female in the face and utilizing pepper spray while the female was already being restrained by a fellow officer during an incident which occurred in October of 2016.

The officer who observed this behavior by then Sgt. Gonzalez filed the formal complaint with the department and Chief of Police Alberto Guajardo which lead to an internal investigation and the indefinite suspension of then Sgt. Raul Gonzalez from duty.

Sgt. Gonzalez filed a formal appeal of the indefinite suspension and requested a hearing in accordance with Texas Government Code 143. A lengthy arbitration hearing commenced in August of 2017 and continued until the final hearing date of December 1, 2017.

The attorney representing the City of Eagle Pass and The Eagle Pass Police Department; Ms. Betty Lynn of Lynn Ross Gannaway received a formal ruling on April 16, 2018 in regard to Sgt. Gonzalez appeal.

Norman Bennett who served as the hearings examiner has ruled, denying Sgt. Gonzalez’ appeal and upheld Chief of Police Alberto Guajardo’s decision to suspend and ultimately terminate then Sgt. Raul Gonzalez.

Charges of aggravated assault by a public servant against Raul Gonzalez are currently pending at the District Attorney’s Office.