News Release

On February 3, 2018, Mr. Dominguez, while video recording, approached an officer in a

shopping center. At that time, our officer was seated in his squad car parked in front of
one of the businesses. Once the officer observed and recognized Mr. Dominguez the
officer decided to leave the area. This officer is the same officer that arrested Mr.
Dominguez on January 29. Our Officer then drove through the parking lot while Mr.
Dominguez continued to follow him on bicycle while video recording. As viewed on the
posted video on You Tube, our officer then stopped, exited his vehicle, drew his weapon
and advised Mr. Dominguez that if he continued to follow the officer it would be viewed
as a threat. Our officer then re-entered his squad car and left the area.
The involved officer later contacted his supervisor, advised him of this incident and a
department administration review was initiated. This contact is currently under review by

DeSoto Police the DeSoto Police Department Administration.

As with everything we do, there is always another side or more information that was not

Department publicized. We are in the process of collecting all information, video recordings and

714 E. Beltline Rd. witness statements pertaining to this incident. It is not fair to our officer or to the

DeSoto, TX 75115 situation at hand to rush to judgement due to information received from a short
469-658-3000 video. Mr. Dominguez has since filed an official complaint with our department and we
www.desototexas.gov must protect the integrity of that investigation.
Mr. Dominguez has recorded and posted You Tube videos of police officers in
Public Information Unit neighboring cities. Mr. Dominguez has also video recorded firefighters at the DeSoto
Fire Station as well as their personal vehicles and registration tags. He has been observed
Sgt. C.D. Williams
469-658-3030 by officers and firefighters at various scenes riding his bicycle while video recording the
469-435-1203 officers and citizens involved in particular incidents.
cwilliams@desototexas.gov My officers and I respect the rights of all citizens including the first amendment. I also
respect the fact that Mr. Dominguez and others want to be sure that police officers
Lt. Melissa Franks
conduct themselves in a professional and fair manner therefore they deem it important to
469-658-3036
mfranks@desototexas.gov video record our actions while performing our duties in public view. However, I do have
an issue when that behavior interferes with our duties, causes safety concerns and
Sgt. Christopher Huerta infringes on other citizens rights during a police contact. I also have issue with the fact
469-658-3051
that our officers have been harassed and belittled by the actions of Mr. Dominguez and
chuerta@desototexas.gov
that's not right!
We will continue gathering facts and information relative to this incident and we will
make a fair determination as to the totality of the circumstances after a complete review.
I promise you that the officer involved in this incident is a fine officer and one of the best
we have. The citizens of DeSoto should be proud of each and every officer of the DeSoto
Police Department as they strive to do their very best for the community each and every
day. -Chief Joe Costa
Desoto Police Department