FORT WORTH, Texas — The Fort Worth Police Department has released security footage of a use of force incident which led to the firing of a police officer almost two weeks ago.
Police said the former officer, Jose Salazar, was fired following an investigation into the incident, which took place last July.
At the request of media, FWPD released security footage of the incident, which shows the officer shove a man down from behind outside of a bar. Police said Salazar's body camera was not activated at the time, so no body camera footage was available for release.
Police said Salazar was working as off-duty security at a bar at the time of the incident when a man standing outside had a verbal argument with staff.
As the man was walking away without presenting any threat toward Salazar or the public, police said, Salazar shoved the man to the ground from behind.
"During the use of force review process, video surveillance of the incident was located that contradicted Officer Salazar’s narrative of events," police said.
After the incident, Salazar was immediately stripped of police powers and placed on restricted duty as the Internal Affairs Unit began an investigation.
Following the investigation, it was determined Salazar used greater force than necessary and had been untruthful in the reporting of the incident, police said. Police Chief Neil Noakes concurred with the decision and fired Salazar.
"The Fort Worth Police Department is filled with officers who do the job right every day," the department said in a statement. "In this case, Officer Salazar did not conduct himself in a manner that represents the professionalism of our officers. Our department will continue to hold employees accountable who do not meet the standards expected of a Fort Worth police officer and in doing so, we will continue to be transparent and open with our community."
Salazar had been with the department for 15 years and was in the Dignitary protection Unit prior to his firing.