Two Dallas police sergeants were fired, and a third was suspended Tuesday by Chief Eddie Garcia for separate allegations of unnecessary force, offensive comments, and false testimony in court proceedings.
Sgt. James Bristo, who was assigned to the South Central Patrol Division, was fired for allegedly using unnecessary force against a citizen on August 28, 2021, and failing to complete a Response to Resistance Report after using force on the citizen.
Bristo was also accused of engaging in adverse conduct when he was arrested for Official Oppression. Police spokesperson Sgt. Warren Mitchell declined to expand on the adverse conduct allegation to NBC 5.
Bristo turned himself in on March 3 on the Official Oppression charge, which stemmed from the August 2021 incident where the sergeant allegedly used a type of chokehold that Dallas police can only use when deadly force is necessary on a man handcuffed in a hospital stretcher.
Sgt. Carlos Valarezo was fired for violating City of Dallas Administrative Directive 3-61. Valarezo allegedly made “offensive and unwelcome jokes or comments, demeaning language or gestures, or other unwelcome verbal or physical conduct that interferes with another employee’s working conditions,” according to the Dallas Police Department.
Sgt. Kung Seng was issued three days of suspension for giving false testimony in a court proceeding.
Chief Garcia has refused to comment additionally on the firings and suspension. Dallas police added that under civil service rules, the officers have the right to appeal their discipline.
False testimony in a court proceeding – gets three days suspension?? The person he lied about could have gotten ten years from his lie. What kind of justice is that? Dallas should do better!!