Man charged for allegedly kicking officer during arrest

A Texas man is accused of kicking a Cumberland police officer in his ribs and chest while being placed under arrest after he allegedly failed field sobriety tests during a traffic stop.

Carlos A. Vasquez, 33, of San Antonio, Texas, was charged on Monday in Barron County Circuit Court with felony battery to a law enforcement officer and misdemeanor disorderly conduct.

If convicted on the felony, Vasquez faces a maximum fine of $10,000 and up to six years in prison. His initial appearance is slated for Wednesday.

According to the criminal complaint, on July 20 at approximately 9:23 p.m. a Cumberland police officer pulled Vasquez over because his headlights were not illuminated.

The officer observed the defendant’s speech to be slow and slurred, and his eyes were glossy. An odor of intoxicants also emanated from his breath. Vasquez said he was a mile from his house and asked the officer to let him go.

At first Vasquez refused to perform standardized field sobriety tests, but when the officer commanded him to turn around and place his hands behind his back, he agreed.

Vasquez did not satisfactorily complete the tests and was placed under arrest. The defendant was directed to get into the squad car several times but refused.

Due to the defendant’s refusal, the officer forcibly placed him into the squad. Vasquez immediately began kicking the officer in his ribs and chest at full force. The officer reported the defendant kicked him approximately 12 times in 35 seconds, causing him pain in his ribs and chest.

Vasquez continued to refuse to comply until the officer drew his pepper spray and pointed it at the defendant.

At the Cumberland Hospital Vasquez refused to exit the squad so the officer forcibly removed him, and the defendant used vulgar language directed at the officer in front of medical staff.

The defendant was eventually transported to the Barron County Jail, where he continued to fight with jail staff and deputies.