Galveston Deputy Fired After Patrol Car Is Caught Tailgating Drivers Near Causeway

A marked patrol vehicle is meant to convey authority and safety on the roads. In Galveston County, Texas, a video that went viral showed a sheriff's deputy using his patrol car in a manner that led to his dismissal within days.

What Happened

The incident occurred on Saturday, September 19, near the Galveston Causeway and the approaches to Galveston Island. A woman in a separate vehicle recorded a patrol car following another driver at an extremely close distance — what the witness described as "riding her bumper." According to the sheriff's office and local reporting, the patrol vehicle did not display emergency lights or sirens during the tailgating portion.

The deputy repeatedly changed lanes and positioned the patrol vehicle in a way that made it difficult for other motorists to pass safely. The situation escalated after another woman passed the patrol car; the deputy then moved into her lane and followed directly behind her at close range.

"As soon as she passed, he just swept over into her lane right behind her, and he rode her bumper the entire way," the woman who filmed the encounter told ABC13 Houston. "We were like, oh my god, what is he doing?"

Investigation and Outcome

Sheriff Jimmy Fullen said the footage circulated on social media over the weekend and was brought to his attention. After reviewing the video on Monday, Fullen announced the deputy had been relieved of duty and was no longer employed by the Galveston County Sheriff's Office.

Sheriff Jimmy Fullen.Houston Chronicle/Hearst Newspapers / Getty Images

The deputy was later identified as Carlos Ramos. Records from the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) show Ramos had served with the Galveston County Sheriff's Office since 2018. Sheriff Fullen called the conduct "inappropriate, unacceptable, and inconsistent" with the standards expected of every member of the sheriff's office and said such behavior "will NOT be tolerated." He emphasized that deputies must operate agency vehicles safely and professionally, on or off duty.

The driver whom Ramos followed was eventually stopped by deputies but was not issued a ticket or citation; the sheriff's office later contacted her to apologize. ABC13 reported that Ramos is not facing criminal or traffic charges in connection with the incident. The sheriff's office has notified TCOLE of his termination; the state licensing agency will determine whether any action should be taken against his peace officer license.

The woman who recorded the video asked reporters not to identify her, saying she feared retaliation. Sheriff Fullen indicated that additional details about specific departmental policy violations could be released after the internal review is complete. As of September 23, no public decision from TCOLE concerning Ramos's license had been announced.

Context

Incidents involving the misuse of marked law-enforcement vehicles tend to attract public scrutiny, especially when video evidence circulates online. This case underscores departmental expectations for professional conduct and the role of internal reviews and licensing agencies in determining consequences for officers' actions.