The case against former Lubbock Police Department employee Daniel Diaz-Gonzalez has been dismissed after prosecutors decided “the interest of justice” wasn’t being served — which is lawyer-speak for “let’s just all forget this ever happened.” Diaz-Gonzalez, who was working as the department’s Sex Offender Registration Coordinator (yes, that’s a real title), was charged in August for allegedly injuring a 67-year-old registered sex offender during what was supposed to be a routine compliance check.
The incident was caught on bodycam, of course, because apparently even the civilian employees at LPD need cameras rolling these days. Defense attorney Chris Wanner claims the footage clearly shows the sex offender taking a swing (or more precisely, a groin shot) at Diaz-Gonzalez — who then pushed the man down, leading to what Wanner described as a “LeBron James–esque flop.” You can almost hear the slow-motion replay and fake shoulder grab.
Prosecutors decided firing Diaz-Gonzalez was punishment enough, while his attorney accused the city of sending a message that Lubbock employees “can’t defend themselves.” Meanwhile, Chief Herman gave his usual sermon about law enforcement being “held to the highest standards,” a phrase that seems to lose a little meaning every time someone in LPD ends up in court.
Only in Lubbock can you lose your job, face felony charges, and still somehow come out looking like the most reasonable person in the room.
