A 58-year-old man was taken into custody on Wednesday night after he allegedly pulled out a stun gun and flashed it at demonstrators during an anti-war protest in downtown Dallas. Organizers say the tense encounter unfolded near Main Street Garden Park, where a crowd had gathered for speeches and a call to prayer. Bystanders recorded video of the clash, and police say no one was hurt.
Stun Gun Brandished Near Main Street Garden Park
According to a police statement and jail records reported by the Dallas Observer, 58-year-old Luis Maldonado was arrested in the 1900 block of Main Street around 8:20 p.m. Officers say they approached him and then took him into custody.
The records cited by the Dallas Observer show Maldonado is being held without bond on three counts of deadly conduct and one count of resisting arrest, search or transport. Police told the outlet that there were no reported injuries tied to the incident.
Video And Organizers' Account
Video shared online appears to show a man wearing a red Make America Great Again hat clicking and sparking a stun device toward protesters several times before officers move in to detain him.
Jo Hargis, an organizer with the DFW Anti-War Committee, told the Dallas Observer, "I heard this crackling noise and saw a flash of light," and said event security quickly stepped between the man and the crowd.
Ryan Ahmadian of Shias for Justice said volunteers worked to guide families and older attendees away from the disturbance while officers moved in and took the suspect into custody.
Charges And What Texas Law Says
Prosecutors booked Maldonado on multiple counts of deadly conduct, a charge that under Texas law can apply when someone "recklessly engages in conduct that places another in imminent danger of serious bodily injury." According to FindLaw, that language appears in the Texas Penal Code.
What Comes Next
Maldonado remains in custody while he waits for initial court proceedings and any formal filings from the Dallas County district attorney. Police have not yet released body-worn camera footage, and more details could surface as the case moves through county courts.
Organizers say they plan to keep holding local anti-war demonstrations as officials review the incident and investigate the arrest.
