Troubled San Marcos Cop Suspended

The San Marcos Police Department has suspended officer Paul Stephens after an incident where he was allegedly caught on camera shoving a woman. Stephens made national headlines when a couple’s dog died during a traffic stop he conducted in 2008.

According to the letter of suspension, SMPD Chief Howard Williams indefinitely suspended Stephens for a history of not telling the truth, unlawful use of force, and disobeying orders. It is the third disciplinary action for Stephens in 14 months.

Stephens is appealing the suspension through an independent third party hearing examiner.

The suspension stems from an incident that occurred on August 18. Around 2:00 a.m. a disturbance was reported near Dillingers Bar on Hopkins Street. Stephens approached a group of 10 to 12 people that were arguing on the sidewalk. According to the letter, none of the people were physically fighting.

Stephens had his car camera on but did not turn on the microphone. According to San Marcos Police, Stephens almost immediately shoved a woman in the chest with his expandable baton, knocking her to the ground. The video then shows the crowd dispersing shortly after that.