Court documents released this week say an El Paso traffic stop turned violent when officers punched a 26-year-old man during his April 5 arrest, leaving his face swollen and bruised. The man, identified in the filings as Daniel Rodriguez Jr., was taken into custody after a traffic stop in west El Paso that officers say escalated into a struggle. The newly filed affidavit and booking records have put the case under local scrutiny.
According to KTSM 9 News, an affidavit says an officer saw a pickup failing to stop at the intersection of Wyoming and Cotton and that the truck's traffic signal was flashing red. Officers reported smelling a strong odor of alcohol and observing signs of intoxication, and the affidavit says Rodriguez resisted, so "due to (Rodriguez) resisting arrest, he was punched on the face several times to gain control and compliance." The document also says officers found two open cans of Modelo and that Rodriguez provided breath samples registering 0.147 and 0.158 blood-alcohol concentrations.
Past Scrutiny Of The El Paso Police Department
El Paso's police department has faced lawsuits and scrutiny over use-of-force practices in recent years, including multi‑million‑dollar settlements in high‑profile cases. El Paso Matters reported the city agreed to a $600,000 settlement in a 2015 excessive‑force case, and critics say those episodes have increased public pressure for transparency and body‑camera disclosures. That backdrop has shaped how some residents and attorneys view new allegations of force.
Charges, Bond And Missing Footage
Court and jail records reviewed by KTSM 9 News show Rodriguez was arrested April 5 and booked on counts that include driving while intoxicated, evading arrest or detention with a vehicle, resisting arrest and related transport/search charges. Jail logs indicate he posted bond on April 6. KTSM also says it reached out to the El Paso Police Department seeking body‑camera video; the station did not report an immediate release of that footage.
What The Law Says
Under Texas law, evading arrest or detention can be a misdemeanor or escalate to a felony when a vehicle is used while fleeing; the statute treats vehicle‑based evasion as at least a third‑degree felony in many cases. Tex. Penal Code § 38.04 outlines the range of punishments and enhancements that prosecutors may seek depending on prior convictions or injuries. Prosecutors will review the affidavit, any footage and investigative findings before deciding on formal filings or enhancements in the case.
