5
19
A Harris County sheriff’s deputy is facing an assault charge after inviting a man to slap him in the face, then slapping the man to the ground last year.
Prosecutors said Collins invited a now 61-year-old man to slap him in a restaurant parking lot.
Video shows the man slowly raising his hand toward Collins, who then slaps him. However, it does not show what led to the altercation.
The sheriff’s office said Collins was placed on administrative duty and the investigation into the incident will be presented to a disciplinary committee.
“Everyone is accountable under the law whether they are wearing a uniform or not,” District Attorney Kim Ogg said. “Grand jurors were presented all of the evidence and determined the deputy should be charged with a crime.”
The assault charge is a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail and a $4,000 fine.