Caught on Camera: New Mexico State Police Officer Arrested After Assaulting Tow Truck Driver

Although most people know exactly why a repo-man may be showing up to confiscate their belongings, there are still some who just refuse to accept the inevitable.

One New Mexico State Police officer definitely made his sentiments known when he did much more than just refuse to give up the keys to his vehicle. He actually ended up choking a repossession tow truck driver just to get his point across. However, his actions only landed him in an even worse predicament than he was already in. Now, in addition to the repossession of his vehicle, he faces assault charges.

According to KRQE News13, the Los Lunas Police Department responded to a call about a conflict between a man and a tow truck driver at the Casa De Chavez Apartments around 3:00pm on Thursday, May 1. The police department reported that State Police Officer Charles Vernier was initially involved in a verbal argument with the tow truck driver. However, the verbal conflict escalated into a physical altercation with Vernier assaulting the tow truck driver.

The police stated that Vernier actually had the driver in a chokehold when they arrived at the scene. The LLPD body cam is what recorded the footage. Vernier can be seen choking the tow truck driver. When police officers demanded that he left the man go, he refused. He would not comply with officers until they threatened him with a taser.

The tow truck driver refused to be identified. However, he did issue a statement recounting the events that led up to his physical altercation with the officer. While he admitted that his job is quite dangerous, he’s never had an altercation like this.

“It was just a very scary moment at that point because I’m already having trouble trying to keep him off of me,” the repo man said. “Trying to keep calm. Trying to keep his arms out of my airway that way I could breathe.”

Vernier stated that he only tried to restrain the man until police arrived because he was not 30 days late on the payment for the vehicle. Unfortunately, his actions definitely showed otherwise.

On Friday, May 2, Vernier bonded out of jail. The New Mexico State Police Chief Pete Kassetas also released a statement in regards to Vernier’s arrest, stating that he has been placed on administrative leave.

“Officer Vernier has been on administrative leave, for reasons I’m not at liberty to disclose. An internal inquiry will be launched into this matter immediately,” Kassetas said.

Vernier has been charged with aggravated battery and resisting arrest.

Image via Bing