Officer in trouble for use of force

SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN) - Officer Paul Stephens, who garnered national attention for stopping a couple driving to the vet to save their choking dog, was suspended indefinitely in early October.

Stephens allegedly "violated the use of force policy" in a different incident. According to a memo, Stephens is accused of using his baton against a woman who was not a "physical threat." After the incident, Stephens is accused of making an incorrect statement regarding the encounter.

Stephens is appealing the indefinite suspension.

The previous case which put his name in the spotlight was in August 2008. A couple raced down Interstate 35, going upwards of 100 mph, trying to get their choking teacup poodle, Missy, to the vet.

After Stephens tries to pull the couple over, they stop at an unsafe place on a bridge. Stephens instructed them to drive to a safer spot, when the couple drives off, weaving in and out of cars.

Once they finally stop, Michael Gonzales, the owner of Missy, jumps out of the car on the brink of hysteria. He waved his arms around and tried to explain to Officer Stephens that his dog was dying.

"It's just a dog, you can get another one," said Officer Stephens in response.

Even after the dog died, Officer Stephens kept up what his own boss described as 'inappropriate behavior.'

"There are other ways to deal with the problem besides to tell someone basically it's just a dog," said Chief Howard Williams, with the San Marcos Police Department.

Stephens was not the only officer on this case. Once hearing what was going on, Officer Joyce Bender used extra care during the stop when she rushed to the side of the hysterical passenger. Her tone was soothing while Gonzales' girlfriend was crying hysterically. At one point, Officer Bender tries to revive the puppy who police said was already dead.