A felony case against former Dallas City Council member Kevin Felder was dismissed on Thursday by the Dallas County District Attorney’s office, stemming from an incident involving a teenager riding a motorized scooter, according to The Dallas Morning News.
The accident occurred in Fair Park on February 13, 2019, reportedly just before a City Council meeting. Felder’s Ford Fusion was towed from the parking lot while he was in the session.
Officers spoke with the scooter rider while Dallas Fire-Rescue paramedics treated him, according to an arrest warrant affidavit. The victim, who already had a “moderately disabled” right arm, as reported by the police, informed the authorities that he was struck from behind by a “bluish Ford Fusion” in the 2500 block of Malcolm X Boulevard.
The accident caused “severe pain and swelling” in the man’s right arm, according to the affidavit. He also had abrasions on his left arm.
The former councilman was arrested a few weeks after the incident for allegedly hitting the scooter rider and leaving the scene. He was charged with failing to stop and render aid by a grand jury.
Felder claimed he observed the scooter rider fall and went over to him. He said he drove off after believing the teen was fine.
He denied hitting the victim with his car.
“If I hit him from behind, he would be mangled,” said Felder.
Another investigation was also underway when a television cameraman filed a complaint with the Dallas Police Department on February 25, 2019, stating Felder assaulted him “when he pushed him causing him to fall.”
Felder stepped between two cars and threw his arm toward the microphone in his face, as captured on video. Michael Heimbuch, a journalist, failed to step backward on the curb and fell, according to documents.
Heimbuch chose not to press charges.
Following the case’s dismissal, Felder said, “No weapon formed against me shall prosper,” quoting the Bible. He claims he will focus on rebuilding his reputation.
Felder served a single term in office, representing a district that included South Dallas and sections of eastern Dallas from 2017 to 2019 when he was defeated in his campaign for re-election. In 2021, he ran again and lost in a runoff.
His attorney, Sherrod Edwards, said the dismissal is contingent on Felder completing a defensive-driving course.
The Dallas County District Attorney’s office declined to comment to The Dallas Express.