Group calls for dismissal of officer who deployed stun gun on elderly man

VICTORIA, TX (KTRK) -- At least one rights group is calling for the dismissal of a Victoria Police Officer, after he stunned an elderly man during a traffic stop he claimed was about an expired inspection.

Pete Vasquez, 76, was pulled over for an expired inspection sticker, last Thursday. As he tried to explain to the officer that the car had paper dealer plates and was therefore exempt, he was wrestled to the ground and stunned twice. He was then handcuffed and taken to a hospital for two hours, until he was finally released from police custody.

The Victoria police chief says 23-year-old Officer Nathaniel Robinson is now under investigation.

"It appears the officer's sole intention was the inspection sticker. Again, we will have to look into what was his mindset for his investigation or if he even had and investigation."

The Chief goes onto say, "It definitely raises concerns and I said that from the very beginning."

Two investigations are now underway, one from internal affairs and a criminal investigation by the Texas Rangers.

The police chief has already personally apologized to Vasquez and is planning to hold a news conference Wednesday morning.