Deputy fired after video shows them tailing driver without lights activated, sheriff says

GALVESTON COUNTY, Texas -- A Texas deputy was relieved of duty following a video showing them tailing a driver too closely.

The department learned of a posted video calling the officer's actions "inappropriate, unacceptable, and inconsistent with the department's standards," according to Galveston County Sheriff Jimmy Fullen.

ABC affiliate KTRK spoke with the woman who shot the video, who asked not to be named, fearing retaliation.

"We were like, oh my god, what is he doing?" the woman said.

The footage, filmed by another driver, showed the officer dangerously close to a driver, without operating lights and sirens. The deputy was also seen swerving with the driver, preventing other drivers behind them from passing by.

Eventually, the woman said another driver did pass the deputy.

"As soon as she passed, he just swept over into her lane right behind her, and he rode her bumper the entire way," she said. "It was like harassment, and purposefully abusing his power just because she passed him."

Officials said the deputy tailed the driver for an extended period. It is unclear why the deputy was following the driver.

The Galveston County Sheriff's Office identified the deputy as Carlos Ramos.

According to records from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, Ramos has been with the sheriff's office since 2018.

The sheriff's office said the woman who was pulled over did not receive a ticket or citation and has since been called and apologized to by the sheriff's office.

KTRK was told the sheriff is away from the office, but when he returns, he will continue reviewing the incident, at which point the department can report which policies were violated on Saturday.

Ramos is not facing any criminal or traffic charges.

The sheriff's office says TCOLE will be informed that Ramos was fired. TCOLE will determine if there will be any changes to Ramos's peace officer license.

KTRK attempted to contact Ramos but was unsuccessful.

"The public places its trust in our deputies every day, and we take that responsibility seriously. Our deputies are expected to operate our vehicles safely, professionally, and in a manner that reflects the standards of this agency both on and off duty," Fullen said.