Dallas Cop Accused of Driving Drunk, Firing Gun

By: Associated Press Email

Posted: Mon 3:41 AM, Apr 30, 2012

A Dallas police officer is accused of firing a gun while driving drunk early Sunday when he was off duty.

Authorities say Dallas police Officer Rafael Mendoza was arrested in nearby Mesquite on charges of drunken driving, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and marijuana possession.

One 911 caller said a bullet hit his car.

Mendoza is now on administrative leave pending investigations by Mesquite police and Dallas police internal affairs.

It's unclear when Mendoza returned to work after being placed on leave last summer. He'd been charged with domestic assault and unlawful restraint. A woman said after they'd been arguing, he knocked her on the ground, handcuffed her and threatened to send her to prison.

Mendoza has been a Dallas officer for more than three years.

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Dallas Cop Accused of Driving Drunk, Firing Gun

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