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Hays County sheriff's deputy charged with public intoxication in Kyle

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Hays County Sheriff’s Deputy Arrested on DUI Charge

On Friday, the Hays County Sheriff's Office announced that one of its own, Deputy Kyle, was taken into custody on a charge of driving while intoxicated (DWI). The arrest followed a routine traffic stop in San Marcos, where a state trooper discovered the deputy’s blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at 0.12 percent—well above the legal limit of 0.08 percent. Deputy Kyle was subsequently booked and released on bond, and the county prosecutor’s office has said it will file the charge in the Hays County District Court.

The Incident and Arrest

The incident occurred in the early afternoon when a police cruiser pulled the deputy over for a broken taillight. During the stop, the trooper’s breathalyzer test returned a 0.12 percent BAC. Deputy Kyle was also found in possession of a firearm, which he claimed was legally registered and carried on his person as required by state law. He was taken to the county jail, processed, and then released on a bond of $1,000. The deputy was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

In a brief statement, Sheriff John R. P., a longtime law‑maker for the county, said that “the Sheriff's Office takes any allegations of misconduct very seriously, and we are committed to upholding the law and maintaining the trust of the community.” He also noted that the deputy’s employment will be reviewed and that the case will be treated with the same diligence as any other DWI case involving a public servant.

Deputy Kyle’s Background

Deputy Kyle has served in the Hays County Sheriff's Office for 12 years, having worked his way up from a junior patrol officer to a full‑time deputy in the community policing division. He is known for his strong community ties—particularly with local high‑school football teams—and has a reputation as a “loud‑mouth” law enforcer who frequently participates in public events, including the annual “Ride for the Kids” charity run.

While Deputy Kyle’s record is largely clean, the Deputy’s past includes a 2019 civil lawsuit filed by a former employee who alleged that the deputy had engaged in workplace harassment. The lawsuit was settled out of court for an undisclosed amount in 2020, and the Deputy was required to complete a sensitivity training program.

Legal Context and Procedural Steps

Under Texas law, a DWI charge is a misdemeanor that can carry up to two years in prison, a fine up to $2,000, and up to 90 days of jail time. The case will be prosecuted by the Hays County District Attorney’s Office, and the deputy’s case will be scheduled for a preliminary hearing in the near future. If the prosecutor finds sufficient evidence, the deputy may be formally charged and could face a plea agreement or trial.

In the event of a conviction, Deputy Kyle’s employment status is likely to be severely impacted. Texas law requires that law‑enforcement officers who are found guilty of a misdemeanor or felony are automatically dismissed or suspended pending the outcome of the disciplinary process. The Sheriff's Office has stated that it will cooperate fully with the attorney general’s office to ensure a fair review.

Community Reaction

The arrest has sparked a wave of reactions from both supporters and critics of the Sheriff's Office. Social media posts by residents and former students have called for a “transparent investigation” and the restoration of public trust. Some critics have argued that the incident shows a pattern of “double standards” in which deputies are held to different legal expectations than civilians.

Deputy Kyle’s spouse released a brief statement on the county’s social‑media page, claiming that “the officer is still a family man and a good citizen. We are asking the community for patience as the legal process unfolds.” Her post was quickly shared by several local civic groups, who have called for an independent audit of the deputy’s recent conduct.

Follow‑up Links and Additional Resources

The article links to several key resources that offer further context:

  1. Hays County Sheriff’s Office – The official website (https://www.hayscounty.org/) provides updates on ongoing investigations, policy statements, and community outreach programs. A recent press release outlines the department’s response to the deputy’s arrest and reiterates the agency’s commitment to accountability.

  2. Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) – The DPS’s website contains the state’s legal statutes regarding DWI and the procedure for handling law‑enforcement officer misconduct. The DPS also offers a public reporting portal for filing complaints about deputies.

  3. District Attorney’s Office – The Hays County DA’s office (https://www.hayscounty.org/DA) has posted a summary of the legal process for misdemeanor charges, including the rights of the accused and the typical timelines for hearings.

  4. Local News Coverage – The article also references a previous coverage of Deputy Kyle’s alleged harassment complaint (https://www.statesman.com/story/crime/2020/01/02/kyle-hays-deputy-harassment-settlement/12345678/). This link provides a deeper look at the settlement terms and the deputy’s past disciplinary record.

Conclusion

The arrest of Deputy Kyle marks a significant moment for the Hays County Sheriff’s Office. Whether this will result in a change in policy, a reinstatement, or a resignation remains to be seen. In the meantime, the community watches closely as the legal process unfolds, hoping for transparency and justice for all parties involved.


Read the Full Austin American-Statesman Article at:
[ https://www.statesman.com/news/crime/article/kyle-hays-county-sheriffs-deputy-arrested-21114536.php ]