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Sheriff releases details into arrest of San Benito officer
Posted: 06.11.2012 at 11:04 PM
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Ryan Wolf
Ryan Wolf is an anchor and reporter for Action 4 News.
Read more: Local, Crime, Candido Ortiz, Jr, Veteran, San Benito Police, SWAT Team, Force, Peace Officer's License, Arrest, Felony Charge, Cameron County, Sheriff Omar Lucio, Conviction, Police Issued Handgun, Loaded Weapon, Deputy, FM 800, Derogatory Name, A Headlock, Brief Standoff, Municipal Court, Aggravated Assault, Texas Army National Guard, Psychological Evaluation, Influence of Alcohol, Police Department, San Benito, Rio Grande Valley, Texas
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Candido Ortiz, Jr., a veteran San Benito police officer SWAT team member with 16 years experience on the force, faces losing his peace officer's license after his arrest on a felony charge.
"You cannot carry a weapon anymore," Cameron County Sheriff Omar Lucio said in reference to a conviction.
Ironically, it's Candido’s police issued handgun that gets him in trouble with the law.
The sheriff says the 51-year-old Candido points his loaded weapon at a deputy who’s responding to a domestic dispute call at his home early Monday morning off FM 800 outside San Benito.
"One of my officers could have been shot or killed or he himself could have been shot and killed in front of his whole family," the sheriff explained.
It all stems from a father-son fight as indicated by authorities in a news release.
Investigators say the two are drinking when Candido calls his wife a derogatory name.
The son tries to defend her.
A pushing match ensues.
Candido uses a headlock to subdue his adult-aged son and then punches him repeatedly in the face, the release goes on to say.
The officer's wife calls the sheriff's department for help.
A deputy finds Candido in the bedroom, who points a firearm at him.
San Benito SWAT helps to peacefully end a brief standoff.
He's since been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer.
The officer, who works with the municipal court, is also a member of the Texas Army National Guard.
He served two tours overseas in Iraq, according to city leaders.
In both instances they say Candido passed a psychological evaluation as required with anyone who takes an extended leave of absence or service break.
But a police officer who spoke to Action 4 News under the condition of anonymity says the officer hasn't been quite the same his return, adding it may have been a contributing factor to the incident while under the influence of alcohol.
Police department leaders say they are unaware of any alcohol abuse issues and add Candido is labeled as a good officer.
They call what has occurred, an isolated incident.
He remains on suspension with pay pending the outcome of an investigation.
His bond has been set at $75,000.
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