The Arizona Department of Public Safety has finished their investigation into the actions of former Williams Police Lt. John Romero during the arrest of a petty theft suspect that was caught on a police body camera. The theft suspect, Brian Lopez, was seriously injured when Romero appeared to drag the handcuffed man to the ground causing him to strike his head.
Both the Arizona Department of Public Safety and the Yavapai Sheriff’s Office conducted separate investigations into the incident at the request of the new Williams Police Chief. The DPS investigation focused on the potential criminal liability of Lt. Romero while the Yavapai Sheriff’s Investigators looked at it from an Internal Affairs perspective.
Arizona DPS Investigators have turned over their files to a DPS Supervisor for final review. The case is expected to be forwarded to the Coconino County Attorney’s Office as soon as next week. Coconino County Attorney, Ammon Barker and his staff will then review the case and decide if criminal prosecution of former Lt. John Romero is warranted. Baker could also decide that his agency may have a conflict of interest in the case and request an outside agency like the Yavapai County Attorney, or the Arizona Attorney General take over.
Romero also faces the potential of charges being brought by the U.S Attorney for violating Brian Lopez’s Civil Rights, as well as an investigation by the Arizona Peace Officer Standards and Training Board that could lead to the stripping of his certification as a Police Officer thus preventing him from working in Arizona Law Enforcement in the future.
No civil lawsuit has been filed by the victim against Romero or the city.
