A deputy from the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office was fired after a video started circulating online of him closely following another driver and using his patrol vehicle to block other motorists from passing him.
The deputy was identified as Carlos Ramos and had been with the department since 2018, according to ABC13. The sheriff’s office said Ramos operated the vehicle in a way that impeded traffic and limited other motorists’ ability to pass safely.
Sheriff Jimmy Fullen said in a statement on Sept. 21, after reviewing the video, that the deputy’s behavior was “inappropriate, unacceptable, and inconsistent” with the standards expected of members of the sheriff’s office. Ramos was relieved of his law enforcement duties and is no longer employed by the department.
The driver being followed did not receive a ticket or citation, and the sheriff’s office contacted her and apologized. As of now, Ramos faces no criminal or traffic charges for the incident.
Bumper to Bumper
The video, recorded by a nearby driver, shows Ramos following another car extremely closely without his emergency lights or siren activated. The patrol vehicle can also be seen moving with the car as it switches lanes, preventing other vehicles from safely passing.
The woman who recorded the video told ABC13 that another driver eventually managed to pass Ramos, prompting him to move into her lane and continue following her closely.
“We were like, oh my god, what is he doing?” she said.
The woman described the deputy’s behavior as harassment and said she believed he was purposefully abusing his authority after another driver passed him. She asked not to be identified because she feared retaliation, according to ABC13.
It’s Not Known Why
The sheriff’s office said Ramos followed the driver for an extended period, but did not say why he was following her.
Ramos eventually activated his emergency equipment and pulled the driver over, but she was not issued a ticket or citation. The sheriff’s office later apologized to the woman after reviewing the footage.
Not Tolerated
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office said the public places its trust in its deputies, who are expected to operate their vehicles safely and professionally.
“Sheriff Jimmy Fullen and the Galveston County Sheriff’s Office remain committed to accountability, professionalism, and the safety of our community,” the statement said.
Ramos is no longer employed by the sheriff’s office, while the department continues to review the incident and determine which policies were violated. The sheriff’s office will also notify the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement about Ramos’ firing, and TCOLE will determine whether any action is warranted regarding his peace officer license.