SAN MARCOS — The spectacle of police here arresting two of
their own has generated kudos from a watchdog group, surprise from residents
and disgust from Police Chief Howard Williams.
The cases of Cpl. John A. Palermo, accused of assaulting a
pedestrian who happened to walk by a traffic stop, and Patrolman David K.
Amerson, charged with prescription fraud, mark the first times in Williams'
10-year tenure as chief that he's jailed a member of his 97-officer force.
The charge of aggravated assault by a public servant against
Palermo stems from a downtown traffic stop he made at 1:10 a.m. May 29, during
which, Williams said, Alexis Alpha, 22, walked by without looking or speaking
to the motorist or Palermo.
Palermo summoned Alpha back “in reference to her walking
near his traffic stop,” according to an affidavit.
An argument erupted as Palermo sought identification from
Alpha, and as it escalated, Alpha used a crude epithet and Palermo grabbed her,
slammed her to the pavement and sat atop her while applying handcuffs, the
affidavit states.
After being treated at a hospital for broken teeth and a
concussion, Alpha was charged with public intoxication, resisting arrest and
obstruction and was booked into Hays County Jail.