Texas Police Use Taser on Pastor Outside Church

WEBSTER, Texas --

A pastor said he plans to sue a police officer who he said shocked him with a Taser gun, pepper-sprayed and handcuffed him in front of his congregation, KPRC Local 2 reported Wednesday.

WATCH IT: Different Stories About Pastor's Arrest

Webster police said the incident, which was caught on tape, started with a routine traffic stop.

There are two different versions of what led to the pastor's arrest.

"They just came and took him just like if he was a delinquent," said Omar Moran, the pastor's son.

Moran said the officers targeted his father's church because the congregation is mostly illegal immigrants from Guatemala.

"I think it's an injustice they did because my father and the church, we try to help the people," Moran said.

Webster Police Chief Ray Smiley said Pastor Jose Moran simply took things too far when he tried to help a member of his congregation who had been pulled over for a traffic stop right outside the church.

Police said the driver did not have insurance nor a driver's license.

Smiley said before the officer could write a ticket, Jose Moran jumped in and became aggressive toward the officer.

"The officer told him to back off several times," Smiley said. "In that situation, for the officer, he's got one gentleman to his left and one to his right. You never know what's going to happen, especially with what's happened in the last week or two."

Smiley was referring to the death of Houston police Officer Henry Canales. Canales was shot to death during an undercover operation in southwest Houston on June 24.

Smiley said his officer feared for his safety when the passenger ran inside the church, locked the door and came out with about 40 people.

Police said they had to use pepper spray to break up the crowd.

Officers said they shocked Jose Moran with a Taser gun after he shoved officers twice and riled up the crowd.

"He said something to them that incited them to get back in the officers' faces again," Smiley said.

Omar Moran said his father is innocent.

"They have their version, we have our version," he said.

Police said Jose Moran complained about chest pain. His family said they believe the pain is a result of the shock from the Taser gun. Police said he was taken to Clear Lake Hospital for treatment.

Jose Moran has been charged with interfering with a public servant.

Police said the church does not have a certificate of occupancy.