Pearland, TX - Pearland police released a timeline and dashcam video of a traffic stop of former NFL player Lamar Lathon after his claims that he was mistreated by the officer.
Lathon, 47, was pulled over for speeding in the early hours of Tuesday morning at the intersection of Shadow Creek Parkway at Almeda Road.
Pearland police said the former Houston Oilers player was talking on his cell phone when the officer approached and asked for his license and registration.
The officer three times told Lathon not to reach under his car seat, but he did, police said.The officer then drew his weapon and again told Lathon not to reach under his seat, according to police.
When Lathon brought his hands back into view with his wallet, the officer holstered his weapon, police said.Pearland police said the officer returned to his vehicle.
Once a second officer arrived, the first officer asked Lathon to exit the vehicle.
Lathon, according to police, can be heard in the video saying, "With all the stuff that's happening and I'm a big guy and you're a little guy."Lathon got out of the vehicle and the officer told him he was going to search the car for weapons.
Lathon objected because the officer pulled a gun on him and he was only reaching for his wallet.The officer searched the car, then gave Lathon a speeding ticket.
Pearland police released a statement that read, "Based on review of the video footage, it is the position of the Pearland Police Department that the response of the officers involved in this traffic stop was professional and within both the law and policies of this agency.
The primary officer was tactically aware, maintained control of the scene and attempted to de-escalate a volatile situation brought on by a driver who refused to follow directions and whose primary complaint seemed to be the issuance of a citation."