SAN MARCOS, Texas July 18 2013-- A San Marcos police corporal was arrested for allegedly beating a Texas State University student from the Woodlands.
Investigators say Corporal James Palermo pushed Alexis Alpha, 22, against a car and slammed her onto a concrete driveway.
"It's personally painful that any officer, much less officers that work under my command would engage in this kind of conduct,” said San Marcos Police Chief Howard Williams.
Investigators said it all started when the 13-year veteran of the department got upset because Alpha was walking too close to a car he had stopped near downtown San Marcos in May.
“I don't believe looking the other way and I don't believe in trying to keep the public from finding out what happened,” Williams said.
According to court documents, Alpha lost two teeth, had a concussion and will need several surgeries.
Palermo arrested Alpha, took her to the hospital and charged her with obstruction of justice, resisting arrest and public intoxication.
All the charges were dismissed.
Alpha never filed a complaint with the department.
The chief said two years ago, an excessive force complaint was filed against Palermo but it was dismissed.
This time though, a supervisor saw dash cam video and initiated an investigation.
Palermo was arrested this week and was charged with aggravated assault by a public servant.
The 40-year-old is now out on bail and is on restricted duty while the investigation is being conducted.
Investigators say Corporal James Palermo pushed Alexis Alpha, 22, against a car and slammed her onto a concrete driveway.
"It's personally painful that any officer, much less officers that work under my command would engage in this kind of conduct,” said San Marcos Police Chief Howard Williams.
Investigators said it all started when the 13-year veteran of the department got upset because Alpha was walking too close to a car he had stopped near downtown San Marcos in May.
“I don't believe looking the other way and I don't believe in trying to keep the public from finding out what happened,” Williams said.
According to court documents, Alpha lost two teeth, had a concussion and will need several surgeries.
Palermo arrested Alpha, took her to the hospital and charged her with obstruction of justice, resisting arrest and public intoxication.
All the charges were dismissed.
Alpha never filed a complaint with the department.
The chief said two years ago, an excessive force complaint was filed against Palermo but it was dismissed.
This time though, a supervisor saw dash cam video and initiated an investigation.
Palermo was arrested this week and was charged with aggravated assault by a public servant.
The 40-year-old is now out on bail and is on restricted duty while the investigation is being conducted.