Austin officer suspended for belittling homeless woman

AUSTIN -- An Austin police officer has been suspended for 10 days for belittling a homeless woman in a incident captured on patrol car video.

Sr. Officer Mark Lytle was assigned to duty at a homeless shelter for 20 days when he returns.

Chief Art Acevedo on June 15 suspended Lytle, saying his demeanor and language were rude and unprofessional. Lytle can appeal.

Police on Friday released video of the Dec. 18 incident under an overpass. The woman uses a wheelchair. Lytle is heard using vulgar language, tells her to leave and threatens her with jail. She apologizes and calls him "sir."

The Austin Police Association didn't immediately return a message for comment Saturday.

Lytle was suspended for five days last fall after he and another officer allegedly joked about rape.