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Jul 1, 2009 6:33 pm US/Central
TABC Admits Man Was In Its Custody When Injured
FORT WORTH (CBS 11 / TXA 21) ―
The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission now admits its agents had custody of a man who received a serious head injury during the raid on the Rainbow Lounge in Fort Worth this weekend.
Today, a witness says not only did state agents arrest 26-year-old Chad Gibson, they caused his injuries.
"A reason why Chad may have seemed like he was resisting arrest is because they were wearing khaki pants, black belts, black shoes and tan shirts that say state police on the back only," said witness Kyle Trentham. "So if you're facing them, they look like a regular citizen."
Trentham also says the officer shoved Gibson into a wall as he stumbled down the hall.
Trentham says Gibson's head then hit a step and then the floor. He says in the picture of the incident seen at right, a TABC officer is standing on Gibson's head.
"I don't understand," he said, "why this could ever happen and why TABC would even think they could treat anyone that way."
The TABC now admits Gibson was in its agents' custody when he was hurt, and not in the custody of Fort Worth Police.
In a statement, TABC Administrator Alan Steen said, "We are saddened that this incident occurred and extend our sincere hope that Mr. Gibson recovers quickly. I have initiated an internal affairs investigation."
Even so, Gibson's family doesn't think that excuses the Fort Worth Police Department.
"All parties involved have a responsibility in this," said Gibson's sister, Kristy Gibson. "The Fort Worth Police's job is to protect our citizens. And so, if they're trying to push this off on the TABC then my question to you is, 'Where were you to protect my brother from getting hurt?'"
Late Wednesday, State Senator Wendy Davis and State Representative Lon Burnam, both of Fort Worth, issued a joint statement. They say they have talked to TABC officials in Austin and are initiating an investigation to find out what happened that night.
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