Three Dallas Police Officers Fired After Being Arrested on Misdemeanor Charges
Three Dallas police officers were terminated for being arrested on misdemeanor charges, said the department.
Sergeant David Bayson, Senior Corporal Raneen Bazzi and Officer Jalen Thomas were fired during Friday disciplinary hearings with Chief Daniel Comeaux, according to a press release.
“Terminating officers is never easy, but sometimes it’s necessary,” Comeaux said in a statement to The Dallas Morning News. “As a police agency, we are held to the highest standards of integrity—on and off duty—and we will enforce those standards to maintain public trust and safety.”
Officer Bazzi’s Case
Bazzi, who had been on the force since 2015, was arrested in September in connection to a misdemeanor family violence charge for an incident that happened while she was off-duty. Robert Rogers, Bazzi’s attorney, told The News Friday that he disagrees with the termination.
“She was a victim, and we fully intend to pursue the appeal process,” he said.
Rogers later told The News on Saturday that the Dallas County District Attorney’s Office had also rejected Bazzi’s charge prior to the disciplinary hearing that resulted in her termination. He said he was not allowed in the hearing, but said the department knew about the rejection.
Officer Bayson’s Case
Bayson, who had been with the department since 2010, was arrested on a misdemeanor family violence charge in late October. He was off-duty at the time of the incident and turned himself in to Farmers Branch police, according to Dallas police.
The News reached out to Jane Bishkin, who represented Bayson at the time of the arrest, for comment but didn’t immediately receive a response.
Officer Thomas’s Case
Thomas, who joined the department in 2022, turned himself in to Arlington police in July on a misdemeanor deadly conduct charge. He was accused of firing a gun into his neighbor’s apartment while off duty in Arlington, though no one was injured, officials said.
Thomas also received two citations of failure to maintain financial responsibility, resulting in a suspended driver’s license, according to the Friday press release.
It’s not immediately clear who currently represents him.
Reaction from the Department
When reached for comment Saturday, the department said it is not its practice to comment beyond what is included in its media release.
Staff writer Kelli Smith contributed to this report.
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Conclusion
The termination of the three police officers is a significant development in the Dallas Police Department. The department’s decision to enforce high standards of integrity, both on and off duty, is crucial in maintaining public trust and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some frequently asked questions and answers related to the article:
Q: Why were the three police officers fired?
A: The three police officers were fired after being arrested on misdemeanor charges. Sergeant David Bayson and Senior Corporal Raneen Bazzi were arrested on misdemeanor family violence charges, while Officer Jalen Thomas was arrested on a misdemeanor deadly conduct charge.
Q: What is the department’s policy on officer conduct?
A: The Dallas Police Department enforces high standards of integrity, both on and off duty, to maintain public trust and safety.
Q: Can the officers appeal their termination?
A: Yes, the officers can appeal their termination. In fact, Robert Rogers, Bazzi’s attorney, has stated that they intend to pursue the appeal process.
