Constable in Texas did not violate another constable’s constitutional rights

Facts Ted Heap is elected constable in Harris County, Texas. Herschel Smith is elected constable in Waller County, Texas. In 2020, Smith was driving in Harris County in a county owned vehicle that displayed exempt license plates and featured red and blue emergency lights.  Smith observed a car exceeding the speed limit so he flashed […]

There is a line between filming the police and hindering the police

Facts Antonio Buehler leads the Peaceful Streets Project (PSP), a watchdog organization with the stated mission of holding police accountable for official misconduct. In 2015, Buehler and several other PSP members were cop watching in downtown Austin. Buehler regularly filmed the Austin police, and many officers were familiar with him. In footage taken by Buehler, […]

Summary judgement granted for officers who kill armed fleeing subject

Facts In 2019, Bastrop P.D. received two reports of an armed confrontation at an apartment complex. One report identified the perpetrator as Thomas Johnson who was driving a red truck with rims. Officer Joshua Green encountered a stationary red truck matching the description with flashing hazards and initiated a stop. As Green exited his vehicle, Johnson […]