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Arlington police officer under investigation for firing his weapon during traffic stop

An Arlington police car holds the old Arlington logo: a red-and-white "A" with a white star in its center. The police car's lights are flashing, and it's parked in a lot with AT&T Stadium in the backdrop.
KERA
/
Courtesy photo
Arlington Police are investigating after an officer fired his weapon at a man exiting a vehicle holding a firearm.

Arlington police are investigating why an officer fired his gun during a traffic stop and whether the passengers committed criminal acts, according to an emailed statement from spokesperson Tim Ciesco.

The officer, whom APD has only identified as a five-year department veteran, shot after 26-year-old passenger Esteban Morales got out of his car while holding a firearm. The officer was one of two who led the stop near Carter Drive and Skylark Drive because the vehicle was linked to a felony warrant.

Police do not yet know what happened between Morales exiting the vehicle and the officer firing, Ciesco wrote. However, no one was injured, and police do not believe Morales shot at officers.

Morales was arrested and booked into Arlington City Jail on one count of unlawful possession of a weapon by a felon and outstanding misdemeanor warrants.

The driver, Jeffrey Bateman, 43, was arrested on outstanding misdemeanor warrants.

Investigators determined the initial warrant that triggered a hit on Morales' and Bateman's vehicle was connected to someone who was not in the car during the stop.

The officer was placed on administrative leave as police investigate whether he followed department policies and training. Police are also investigating whether any criminal offenses were committed during the stop.

Got a tip? Email Kailey Broussard at kbroussard@kera.org. You can follow Kailey on Twitter @KaileyBroussard.

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Kailey Broussard is a reporter for KERA and The Texas Newsroom through Report for America (RFA). Broussard covers the city of Arlington, with a focus on local and county government accountability.