Wednesday, October 16, 2019

Gore Assistant Police Chief Charged in Tasing Incident


Jose Guzman, a Gore assistant police chief, turned himself in today after an arrest warrant was issued for his involvement in a June 17, 2019 tasing incident.

Guzman arrived at the Sequoyah County Courthouse in Sallisaw Wednesday afternoon accompanied by an officer with the Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation (OSBI).

Guzman was charged with misdemeanor assault and battery in connection with the tasing of a woman during a welfare check at her home. The woman was reportedly drunk and suicidal.

Two other officers responded to the call along with Guzman. The woman reportedly was agitated and refused to obey commands. She was eventually placed in handcuffs but continued to disobey orders.

An affadavit filed with the charges states that the woman was verbally abusive to the officers. The woman repeatedly walked toward the officers, according to the report. Guzman eventually placed a taser to the woman's chest and administered a "drive stun" technique. The woman was in handcuffs at the time.

The woman was then taken to the hospital but was not arrested.

The incident was captured on body camera footage by a Webbers Falls officer assisting on the call.

At the time of the incident, Guzman was placed on a two week paid administrative leave. Gore city officials voted 3-2 against termination and he was allowed to return to his duties.

An OSBI investigation of the incident was requested by District Attorney Jack Thorp on July 19.

Guzman was released Wednesday within approximately 30 minutes of arriving at the courthouse. He then returned to work for the Gore Police Dept. and was reportedly on duty Wednesday evening.

Misdemeanor assault and battery is punishable by up to 90 days, a fine of up to $1,000 or both.


KXMX News Staff


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