HOUSTON \u2013 A Harris County Precinct 3 deputy constable was arrested Monday night in Guadalupe County after authorities say he was found intoxicated and carrying a firearm near a busy stretch of Interstate 10.<\/p>\n
According to the Guadalupe County Sheriff\u2019s Office, the incident happened in the 8500 block of IH-10 East in Seguin, Texas.<\/p>\n
A deputy constable with Harris County Precinct 3 Constable\u2019s Office was identified as Julio Valdez.<\/p>\n
Investigators say a Guadalupe County deputy was conducting an unrelated traffic stop nearby when radio traffic alerted him to the hit-and-run. <\/p>\n
Deputies found the suspected vehicle and said Valdez was in the passenger\u2019s seat.<\/p>\n
The GCSO deputy reportedly noticed a strong odor of alcohol coming from Valdez and observed that he was unsteady on his feet near the heavily trafficked interstate.<\/p>\n
During the encounter, the deputy confirmed that Valdez was armed. He disarmed Valdez and secured the handgun without incident.<\/p>\n
Valdez was taken into custody and charged with public intoxication and unlawful carrying of a weapon. <\/p>\n
Authorities say Valdez identified himself as a law enforcement officer during the arrest. Officials later confirmed he is employed as a deputy constable in Harris County Precinct 3.<\/p>\n