Man stunned by Taser during traffic stop reacts to officer's firing

VICTORIA, TX (KTRK) -- Pete Vasquez says he hasn't slept well since that December traffic stop that ended with him being shocked by a Taser.

"I'm really afraid to get out in the street now because I don't know what is going to happen to me," says Vasquez.

The Victoria resident was stopped in December for an expired inspection certificate but says he tried to point out to Officer Nathanial Robinson he had temporary tags. Their interaction quickly escalated, as Officer Robinson pulled out his Taser and stunned Vasquez. It was all captured on surveillance video at an auto shop.

Victoria Police Chief Jeff Craig says Robinson has been fired. Based on evidence he says the officer violated three areas of policy: Conduct and Performance, Use of Force and Arrest without a Warrant.

Rachel Messer, the attorney representing Vasquez, says they commend the swift internal investigation and believe the outcome was what it should be. They are waiting for the Texas Rangers report on any possible criminal wrongdoing.

"We will state that our client does wish to see full criminal prosecution as he is a victim of a crime," Messer says.

The family of the father of five and grandfather of 20 says they worry about the impact the situation has had on their father.

"We're torn with the way we feel about what happened with our father and just knowing that we had to see that video over and over again. We still have to see it," Vasquez's son, Arthur Vasquez, says.

The DA's office is waiting for the results of a criminal investigation by the Texas Rangers.

Officer Robinson's attorney issued the following statement late Tuesday afternoon:

"I will say that the stop, detention and arrest were lawful. The force (taser) was clearly lawful given the resistance. Even if the person being arrested believes the arrest is unlawful, the law is clear that there is no right to resist the arrest. (Penal Code 38.03(b)) I am disappointed that the Chief did not support his officer. Officer Robinson was a young officer (23 years old) and had absolutely no disciplinary history or complaints."