Dallas Police Chief David O. Brown disciplined Police Officer Edgar Garcia Martinez, #10175, in a hearing held late this afternoon. 

On November 29, 2013, the girlfriend of Officer Garcia Martinez called 911 to report that Officer Garcia Martinez assaulted her earlier in the morning.  According to the girlfriend, she and Officer Garcia Martinez were leaving a dinner party when he began questioning her about text messages on her phone.  Officer Garcia Martinez then broke the phone with his hand.  Shortly thereafter, while they were driving back to the girlfriend’s residence, Officer Garcia Martinez punched the vehicle’s windshield, causing it to break.  Officer Garcia Martinez also pulled the rear-view mirror off the windshield.  He then broke the lever off the steering column and used it to assault his girlfriend on her leg.  The girlfriend attempted to get out of the vehicle but Officer Garcia Martinez stopped her.  

On December 2, 2013, Officer Garcia Martinez was arrested and charged with Assault Family Violence M/A.  An Internal Affairs investigation concluded that Officer Garcia Martinez was involved in a disturbance that resulted in a police response.  The investigation also concluded that he engaged in adverse conduct which resulted in his arrest for Assault, Family Violence.

Officer Garcia Martinez was terminated for his actions.  He was hired in June 2010 and assigned to the South Central Patrol Division. 

Under civil service rules, Officer Garcia Martinez has the right to appeal his discipline.         

Chief Brown also held a disciplinary hearing involving Officer Rene Villanueva #9068. Chief Brown has postponed making a decision in light of the information that was discussed in the hearing.  A decision will be made at a later date.