Harris County Precinct 3 Constable Deputy arrested in Guadalupe County

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas - A Harris County Precinct 3 Constable Deputy has been arrested and charged in Guadalupe County, authorities said. 

Harris County constable deputy placed on administrative leave

The backstory:

According to a statement from the Harris County Precinct 3 Constable's Office, Deputy Julio Valadez was arrested. The Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office reports he was charged with public intoxication and unlawful carrying of a weapon.

Deputy Julio Valadez (Source: Harris County Constable Precinct 3)

On Monday, a GCSO deputy conducted a traffic stop on I-10 East near the 617-mile marker in Seguin. While at the stop, he heard about a hit-and-run incident in the same area over the radio.

When the deputy arrived on the scene, they could smell an alcoholic beverage coming from Valdez and noticed he had difficulty maintaining his balance. Valdez was a passenger in an involved vehicle, not the driver, the sheriff's office reported.

According to authorities, the deputy saw Valdez was carrying a handgun and secured the weapon after disarming him. Valdez identified himself as a police officer.

Officials said Valadez was placed on administrative leave without pay, pending the outcome of an Internal Affairs investigation. 

Authorities said Valadez has been employed with Precinct 3 since Sept. 16, 2024. 

Officials added Valadez has no disciplinary history.

What they're saying:

Sheriff Joshua Ray gave this statement:

"The Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office holds all individuals, regardless of profession or affiliation, to the same standard of the law. We will enforce the law...equally and without exception. Law enforcement is held to a higher standard, and at the Guadalupe County Sheriff's Office we will hold that standard for both ourselves and other members of our profession. I wish we were never placed in this position, but know that if we are, we will do our job."