Investigation looking at La Feria pistol discharge

LA FERIA - Police are investigating an incident in which a man is accused of assaulting an officer, causing the officer's handgun to fire in a neighborhood, Chief Don Garcia said Friday.

But the man's family claims Officer Jaime Leos fired his handgun in their yard before he pointed the pistol at the man and family members.
Garcia denied the accusations.

Police arrested Lorenzo Quintanilla, 41, on charges of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon and resisting arrest, Garcia said.

An investigation into charges against Quintanilla will also determine whether Leos abused his power, City Manager Sunny Philip said.

"Police are conducting an investigation into the whole details," Philip said. "We'll look at the incident, when the weapon was drawn. We'll look at whether there was any misconduct on the officer's (part)."

Leos went to the man's home at 1305 Willow St. about 3 p.m. Tuesday to investigate a complaint that people where smoking marijuana in a car, Garcia said.

"He (Quintanilla) accused him of filing a false police report," Garcia said. "He started to push and shove the officer with a chest bump."
Quintanilla knocked a nightstick and pepper spray from Leos' hand, Garcia said.

When Leos drew his handgun, Quintanilla struck his hand, causing the pistol to fire, Garcia said.

There were no injuries, he said.

But Maria Quintanilla said her husband didn't provoke Leos.

Leos pointed the gun at her and her family, she said.

"He pointed the gun at us, at everyone - at me and my daughters," she said.

Garcia strongly denied the accusations.