VA Police Officer Fired After U.S. Army Lt. Pepper-Sprayed During Traffic Stop | NBC Nightly News

In December, two officers stopped U.S. Army Lt. Caron Nazario for not having a rear license plate on his new SUV, according to a police report. Officer Joe Gutierrez, whose termination was announced late Sunday night, pepper-sprayed Nazario. Gutierrez and former partner Daniel Crocker face a $1 million lawsuit, alleging a violation of constitutional rights.

Connect with NBC News Online!

#LtCaronNazario #JoeGutierrez #NBCNews

VA Police Officer Fired After U.S. Army Lt. Pepper-Sprayed During Traffic Stop | NBC Nightly News

[ChuckyRed]

It's almost impossible to obey commands when you encounter cops this aggressive. Any command you follow could cost you your life.

[tinalouiseking]

I'm really tired of these "investigations" when we all sat here and watched the whole thing happen

[cybersnake]

This is nothing but SHAMEFUL to see our soldiers treated this way

[kreazea]

woah woah woah wait wait wait... they THREATENED him to not speak of the incident? the (now fired) officer practically tried to empty a can of pepper spray on the Lt., which I'm sure there's a possibility he can go blind from, and they have the audacity to threaten his career if he spoke?! The Heck! 😠

[Mimi-cqbg]

The people who hired these cops need to account for themselves too. How did they think this type of person was a suitable fit for dealing with the public.

[TonyMureithi]

This is utterly disrespectful... Despicable!

[joeh]

They threatened to end his Army career if he spoke out? Hahaha, yeah they can't begin to do that.

[jaimtime]

If these cops acted this way in a well lit area with surveillance cameras around imagine what would’ve happened if the Lt . Stopped in a dark area with no other surveillance camera around? This is disturbing

[isaacroach]

A million dollars ain't sit. They were about to take this young man's life

[stannistargaryen]

The Army Lt needs to file assault charges on these officers as well.

[michaelscott]

I was so afraid for his life. I’m glad the lieutenant is alive.

[suzanned]

Both officers should be, not just fired but, jailed awaiting trial for assault. I am so angry right now. This was not just bad policing, it was a crime. This is why people hate the police. They bring it on themselves by not fully condemning and holding these criminals responsible for their behavior. Crimes are crimes weather you are wearing a uniform at the time or not.

[hypend]

imagine going overseas to fight terrorist when whole time the terrorist are here on U.S Soil

[fastfeh]

Hope the cop fired faces jail, lawsuit and never to work law again.

[paigep.]

i hate how the part where he said he was afraid to get out of the car and the cop said “you should be” was removed. seeing the full video is sickening. whoever hires people like this to protect the public is probably just as bad!!

[denniswilliams]

Imagine being on active duty, having been trained to overcome the enemy by any means necessary. Trained to disarm and neutralize them. Yet having the discipline not to exercise this option when the situation is identical to that which you have been trained to anticipate. Soldier, you are my Hero.

[lillygardens]

Yes!!!! 👍👍👍👍 Now that he's fired, Prosecute him!

[rolandohernandez]

Now Who's Career Was Going To End, Not The Lt.

[shawncrowson]

Happy thoughts and prayers to the soldier who will win that court case.

[philp]

I recently retired after 21 years, this was one of my biggest fears every time I was stationed in the South