The Associated Press
VICTORIA, Texas (AP) -- Problems in a Southeast Texas police department will be investigated by the Texas Rangers at the request of the police chief.
Palacios Police Chief Bernando Guerrero said Friday he sought help from the Rangers after the city council this week fired one officer and asked for an investigation into the actions of another officer.
Guerrero said he asked Ranger David Maxwell to render an unbiased opinion on investigations initiated by the chief.
Officers Billy Kalina and Baldemar A. Isquierdo went before city council Monday at the chief’s request. Guerrero told council members that Kalina broke department policy when he allowed a former resident of a house to take items from it while the owner was not there.
Guerrero said Isquierdo made a movement that looked as if he was about to draw his gun on the chief when he confronted him in November concerning another investigation.
The council voted to terminate Kalina and directed Gerrero to continue his investigation of Isquierdo, The Victoria Advocate reported in its Saturday edition.
Maxwell began his investigation Thursday.