RENKEN: DPS AUTHORIZED RELEASE OF CHASE VIDEO

  

Local District Attorney Julie Renken says the DPS is “emphatically apologizing” after the release of dashboard-camera video of a chase that involved a Brenham police officer, accused of excessive use of force.

District Attorney Julie Ranken tells the Brenham Banner Press that she was told by DPS officials that they had cleared release of the video taken from the dashboard-camera of a Waller County trooper involved in the pursuit.

Renken says she was told by DPS that they had checked with Waller Co. about any pending charges and were told there were none.  However, Harris Co. authorities are conducting an on-going investigation into the accusations of excessive force by former Brenham Police officer Richard Bobbitt.

The chase of a reported stolen car began in Brenham, continued through Waller County and ended near Houston.

The video only shows the chase, and not the arrest of the suspect.

Renken’s office has jurisdiction over the initial incident.

An internal investigation by Brenham police led to the original finding of excessive force, and led to Bobbitt’s firing.  Bobbitt appealed and was allowed to resign.