Two Fort Worth police officers have been disciplined following a slow-speed pursuit last week that lasted for more than two hours.
SWAT Officer Dennis Alise and Officer Brian Gentry were both reprimanded and are under investigation for actions taken during the chase on May 27, according to KTVT.
Alise was transferred to uniform patrol while Gentry had his badge and gun taken away following the incident.
The pursuit began with a drug bust, as officers followed suspect Joe Gonzales along I-30 during the chase that occasionally veered onto side streets, parking lots, medians and the popular Lincoln Square shopping area.
"Fort Worth police officers have the best of intentions and utmost consideration for the public's safety while involved in a fluid situation such as a vehicle pursuit," the Fort Worth Police Department said in a statement. "Equally important are the policies and procedures that govern the actions of departmental personnel."
The pursuit came to an end when Alise rammed the back of the suspect's vehicle with a armored vehicle, causing the suspect to crash into a concrete barrier. Officials said that Alise was not authorized to ram the suspect's car with his truck.
Other officers said that a commander told pursuing officers, "You are authorized to use weapons."
Department officials are bringing into question whether the Bearcat is considered to be a "weapon."
Following the crash, Gonzales attempted to climb out of a window, but officers swarmed around him and brought him to the ground. Gentry is accused of using excessive force during the takedown, coming after suspect with the butt of a tear gas launcher.
Gentry claims that Gonzales was trying to grab at the weapon as he fell from the car window and attempting to pull the tear gas launcher away.
The Fort Worth Police Department said it is unable to release any further details regarding the ongoing investigation.
