Tonight, a police officer is facing criminal charges after he was in an accident and appears to have been inebriated.
It happened 6 days ago in downtown Orange Walk - and Jules Vasquez tells us tonight why the cop is the one looking to bring a suit against the town's traffic department:
The video captures the scene directly after the head on collision in front of courts in downtown Orange Walk when police constable Pedro Novelo crashed head on into a car. He staggers out of the vehicle appearing either dazed or inebriated. Police and traffic officers are on the scene and move immediately to detain him.
It's not very hard - because he's swaying and stumbling, and appears to be complying, but suddenly a fellow police constable traffic officer on the scene flips - and suddenly chokes his colleague PC Novelo from behind and throws him to the ground - fighting with a man who has neither the will nor concentration to fight.
Today, Novelo's own department put an incredible spin on it - saying PC Novelo tried to escape - when we can see his vehicle couldn't move from the scene, he can't run and he's right on the scene::
ACP. Hilberto Romero, OCED
"In regards to that incident in Orange Walk where there is a video, we are presently conducting an investigation into that matter. The information we have is that Pedro Novelo was driving a Ford pickup when he crashed into another vehicle, a Chevy Captiva. The driver of that Chevy Captiva is one of Ever Perez. The information we gather is that after the accident, Pedro Novelo fled from the scene. He was then pursued by some traffic officers who follow him through Orange Walk and eventually they ended up in that area where he was detain. He was then taken into custody where a urine sample was obtained."
"A NIP was served on him and we are presently putting the file together and we will be levying charges sometime today or tomorrow."
Jules Vasquez
"He was unnecessarily roughed up by the officer who came from behind, put him in a choke hold and flung him to the ground."
ACP. Hilberto Romero, OCED
"That matter is under investigation. Again, when that is all concluded, we will make a determination whether any charges will be levied upon anyone. But both incidents are under investigation and we are supposed to finalize those today."
Jules Vasquez
"Okay, but have you seen the video? What's your impression of it as a professional?"
ACP. Hilberto Romero, OCED
"I have seen the video and at some point yes, he was taken down and again the investigation, we will look at all of the footage, we will look at the statements and then a determination will be made."
Jules Vasquez
"Okay, now if we look at the video as well, we can see the driver appears to be inebriated."
ACP. Hilberto Romero, OCED
"Yes, he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, yes."
And while this constable hasn't been charged yet - he has reportedly accepted blame for the accident - but he has made a formal complaint against the traffic officer and he will seek legal action.
We'll keep following the story.
