Texas Officer Allegedly Stops Woman For “Walking By His Traffic Stop,” Slams Her Into Car, and Then Into Concrete Sidewalk

Corporal James Angelo Palermo, 40, of the San Marcos, Texas police department is under arrest today after his department reviewed an arrest of a predestrian who was allegedly roughed up by Palermo in a false arrest. The woman lost two teeth and suffered a concussion. Palermo is now charged with aggravated assault by a public servant.

Palermo had stopped a car at midnight and the woman walked by on the sidewalk. Palermo reportedly stopped her and asked if she was walking by his traffic stop — a curious question since you are allowed to walk by a traffic stop. Palermo however thought otherwise. He demanded her identification. She says that she told him that she had done nothing wrong and that he slammed her against the car and then on the concrete.

The woman may require surgery. Presumably there is a lawsuit in the making.  The department will clearly argue that this was a rogue officer who was promptly charged. However, he was still acting under color of law and as an employee of the department.

Palermo has been with the department since 2000 and remains on paid administrative leave despite the charges.

Source: WTSP

Kudos: Michael Blott