Nothing this police dept does is on the up and up as far as I am concerned, they fire the good cops, they keep the corrupt ones...How I long for the days when a decent Chief was there...Ure is a joke..

The Chief of Police would do himself well by not to continue to wallow in his public relations disaster with the DA. The chief began a war with the DA over officers and detectives being required to sign their arrest reports as being accurate. Now we find out that that The City of Victoria on behalf of the Victoria Police Department recently settled a ILLEGAL& UNLAWFUL ARREST AND IMPRISONMENT lawsuit. When will we learn how much "HUSH MONEY" was paid?

I still want to know what the chief said to the Grand Jury that got him indicted three times for felony perjury. When will that ever be known?

JR74: "Tyler is fueling the fire just as much [as Ure]...he is just doing it in a different way.

You are so right. Ure does it in a way that only hurts Mr. Tyler's Ego.

Tyler does it in a way that endangers the lives of people in Victoria and endangers the lives of Cops sworn to protect us, by putting bottom feeding scum that hurts people and threatens the lives of officers.

Remember people, He did not just "brandish" or "wave" a weapon at officers. He pulled the trigger and the gun did not fire.

But Tyler drops the ONE THING that would insure he served at least half, while pretending this perp will serve 40 years knowing full well he will be out soon.

"Bottom line: If you point a gun at a police officer, you should be held accountable to the maximum capacity of the law," Police Chief Bruce Ure said. "

OK Mr Ure, so you should only be held accountable to the maximum capacity of the law if you point a gun at a Police Officer?? Well then what if someone points a gun at a child, a little old lady, or any other human being for that matter? Should they be held to lesser penalties if it is not a police officer they point a gun at?? WOW, I think your choice of words speaks loudly to your ideals that Police are on a higher level than the average public!!

JD said: "According to the article: 'As part of the Alvarado plea agreement, Tyler dropped the gun charges. Evidence for aggravated assault with the Jeep trumped evidence linked to the gun, Tyler said.'

"That would mean that Article 42.12 Section 3(g) of the CCP will not apply and therefore the part about having to serve one-half the sentence also would not apply."

No, this is referring to the counts of aggravated assault that dealt with the dimpled bullets. The Advocate even issued a correction to clarify this point. It was much more clearly presented on TV and the Newscenter 25 site.

Arturo Alvarado was convicted of two felonies with deadly weapon findings: one for the jeep ramming the officer and one for brandishing the gun while assaulting his wife. He won't be eligible for parole until he's 61 years old.

Ure is right this time. I have no use for Tyler. The plea bargain will allow this bottom feeder to be out in 5 to 10 years, then he's right back to what he was doing. Tyler is fueling the fire just as much...he is just doing it in a different way. IMO

fiercegossip: "Lots of misinformation in these comments. This guy isn't getting out in 5-10 years. The deadly weapon finding means he's not even parole eligible until he's served half his sentence, TWENTY YEARS, thanks to Article 42.12 Section 3(g) of the Code of Criminal Procedure".

According to the article: "As part of the Alvarado plea agreement, Tyler dropped the gun charges. Evidence for aggravated assault with the Jeep trumped evidence linked to the gun, Tyler said".

That would mean that Article 42.12 Section 3(g) of the CCP will not apply and therefore the part about having to serve one-half the sentence also would not apply.

JD..."Killing someone, even if justified leaves a permanent scar on a man that he then must carry the rest of his life and it is not something that should be taken lightly or wished on anyone."

I never suggested that killing the guy wouldn't leave a "scar" on a cop's soul. But, he has to be alive to carry that scar. ANY time a thug points a pistol at a cop, he's risking his life and the cop is completely justified in killing him. Like any citizen who is licensed to carry a handgun, a cop doesn't shoot to kill; he shoots to live. I'm saying that if a situation warrants the use of deadly force, as this one certainly did, then make sure the thug is down permanently. Ammunition is cheaper than lives. Now, the taxpayers of Texas are going to be supporting this thug for however long he's in prison. Would anyone miss him if the cops HAD killem him? Does his life have any value? It saddens ME to think that anyone would value his worthless life over that of the cops he threatened.

This latest episode of the dark and angry side of Chief Ure speaks volumes. In issuing yet another unseemly verbal attack on the DA, the chief clearly shows just how vindictive, cheap and petty he really is. One can only wonder what kind of hugely negative influence he has become on the entire department. Ure demonstrates that he cannont accept the rule of law except when it gets him off from criminal felony perjury on a technicality. A small man with a big ego mouthing off is the wrong person to lead the Victoria Police Department. If Ure is not censured or fired for his stupidity, I will have to believe his actions were sanctioned by those above him. All of this should be troubling for citizens of our community.

Lots of misinformation in these comments. This guy isn't getting out in 5-10 years. The deadly weapon finding means he's not even parole eligible until he's served half his sentence, TWENTY YEARS, thanks to Article 42.12 Section 3(g) of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

Not bad, considering the jury that CONVICTED the Baytown Seafood Murderer earlier this year sentenced him to only 30 years prison. Thanks to a jury, a CONVICTED MURDERER will be seeing a parole board 5 years before this man who PLED GUILTY with a PLEA BARGAIN to aggravated assault!

AltlBrdy: "Now he can possibly get out in 5-10 years. THATS THE PROBLEM. Not that 40 isn't long enough. This creep won't serve 40"

You are absolutely correct and your post is dead on. It just bothers me to no end, that Mr. Tyler is comfortable allowing a man that threatened the lives of police officers, to only serve 5-10 years. Not because they were police officers, but because if a man will threaten the lives of armed police officers, who are ready, willing and able to defend their lives vigorously, then one can imagine what he might be willing to do to regular, unarmed citizens.

It saddens me further that certain posters have made statements to the effect that "Ure's officers should have issued the death penalty in self defense, declared him dead and the end", and "This problem could have easily been solved if the police had put him down for the count".

Killing someone, even if justified leaves a permanent scar on a man that he then must carry the rest of his life and it is not something that should be taken lightly or wished on anyone. Better yet, lets just insist that Mr. Tyler do his share in protecting the citizens of Victoria.

What people are missing and is a situation the reporter caused by their poor reporting is that the issue is not the X number of years he got. 40 IS a long time.

The problem is the plea deal.
The problem is that the victims were not consulted nor notified.

by dropping the Charges that were dropped, Alvarado will be eligible for an early parole. By dismissing the weapons charge, it removes the REQUIREMENT that Alvarado must serve at least 1/2 of the sentence (20 years) before even being eligible for parole.

Now he can possibly get out in 5-10 years.

THATS THE PROBLEM. Not that 40 isn't long enough.

This creep won't serve 40.

crabby..."Thank goodness that the office of District Attorney is an elected office...everyone who doesn't like this plea deal...remember this when you go vote"

Yeah, you could do that, or you could remember that the guy bought into a sentence for 40 years. Why don't you simply recognize that 40 years should be sufficient punishment -- provided he serves them all. Bombard the parole board with your insistence that he not be released back into society. Maybe it'll do some good. The DA can't keep him in the pokey if the parole board turns him loose.

Thank goodness that the office of District Attorney is an elected office...everyone who doesn't like this plea deal...remember this when you go vote.

My point is tipsy361 is that..this deal with the VPD and this dude have nothig to do with you and your son...Merry Christmas tipsy361 and all who are reading

First, as for as the 40 year sentence is concerned, 40 years should be enough to keep a 41 year old man in prison long enough for him to only leave in a box. The problem isn't with the sentence, the problem is with the parole system that allows people to leave prison with decades left to serve.

This problem could have easily been solved if the police had put him down for the count. As I recall, the officers both had .45 caliber handguns and most, I think, use Glocks. The Glock .45 has a 14 round magazine and, with one in the chamber, a 15 round capacity. There were 30 rounds of .45 ACP available to the two cops without needing to reload. Why is this man going to the Huntsville Hilton instead of having a dirt nap? Ammunition is cheap compared to the cop's life. Use it.

Patient, thats Karmann Ghia. NOT KARMA GIA

When the chief speaks to a reporter, he is speaking as the head of the police department. The rest of us in here, when we comment, we only speak as an individual. A simple "no comment" from the chief to an incendiary question might have been the wiser response. Making clearly political statements that divide our community and reflect poorly on himself and the police department might not be a good idea.

Sounds like political corruption in Victoria,Victoria needs a vigelante committy to whipe out the existing government, makes you wonder who the criminals are? the police or the courts.

Was this a dangerous situation? Yes. Could it have been worse? Most Certainly. Unfortunately this type of danger goes hand in hand with the job.It shouldn't but it does.There are soldiers facing this and worse each day.

A 40 year sentence is a long time. If you look at how this stacks up against some of the sentences given defendants, that have harmed inocent citizens, you'll see it is a harse sentence.

No prosecutor is ever going to get someone to plead to the max. Where is the incentive. A defendant has nothing to lose going to a jury trial and alot to gain. There have been local trials where a murderer was given probation by a jury.

The truth is the judicial system isn't able to go to trial and seek the max for each and every offender.

I think the advocate is more responsible than anyone for this story and this "feud" There are people that when you put a microphone in their face, will respond in a fashion that will "make headlines". With Mr. Tyler announcing his run for re-election, what better place to get a reaction than with Mr. Ure. Advocate you keep going to this well and it is getting old

I will try thi9s being "politically correct" since my previous comment was removed. It is sad how this has gone , sad for Victoria, not for Mr. Tyler , but for Mr. Ure to keep trying to belittle the D.A. and his office in anyway he can.

Cool car....stupid saying. I long for the "what comes around, goes around" days.

PatientEarth no I will not stop. Until I get answers. So you can just bypass my comments. You will not hurt my feelings in any way.

lol, to funny vbb

Sorry to add that this whole towns government is crooked.. all of it. In this matter I agree more with "Ure" but still... it's all backwards.

I must add yes my son got into the wrong crowd and now he is paying the price. He knows that to now.

Not that it matters, since it happened after Ure left, but is his former employers....

the bottom line of the whole situation was that the charges against me were being dismissed and that I was therefore free to go.

And so while there are probably a lot of implications of this story worth delving into, my main takeaway was to wonder, out of all the dozens of people ticketed that night at the bar, and other nights at the bar -- out of all the hundreds of people likely to have fallen prey this municipal con game, this kafkaesque government racket -- how many of those people simply bit the bullet and wrote out a check to the City of Watauga, TX, in the amount of $250, and mailed it in?

http://hiphoplawyer.blogspot.com/

Appellant Bobby Clifford Smith appeals his six-year sentence and $2,500 fine for assault on a public servant.
http://www.2ndcoa.courts.state.tx.us/...

A Tyler man was sentenced to prison for an assault on a police officer with a knife. He will serve at least 17 years on the serious felony offense of aggravated assault of a public servant, even though the officer was never actually struck or injured.

A jury found Twenty three year old Jaime Guerrero guilty and he was sentenced under Judge Kerry Russell of the 7th District Smith County Court to 35 years in prison.

http://www.mytexasdefenselawyer.com/2...

PALESTINE — A Coffield Unit inmate was sentenced to 20 years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice last week after being found guilty of assaulting a correctional officer more than two years ago.
http://www.palestineherald.com/local/...

Following a plea of guilty to assault on a public servant in 2005, Appellant, Gilbert Joe Segura, was granted deferred adjudication for three years, assessed a $1,500 fine, and placed on community supervision.
http://www.7thcoa.courts.state.tx.us/...

After finding the defendant guilty of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon on a public servant earlier in the day, a eight-man, four-woman jury late Wednesday afternoon sentenced 48-year-old prison inmate Robert Earl Turner to life in prison for using a razor blade cutting device to slash the throat of Coffield Unit correctional officer April Colburn on Aug. 20, 2005.
Turner was already serving a life sentence for burglary of a habitation.

http://www.tdcaa.com/node/669

Look to me like the sentence range for assault on a public servant ranges very widely.

Did this nut think he could to anything to a cruiser with a guard by driving a jeep into it? I am taking the chiefs side this time...Anyone who injures or kills an officer or makes that attempt needs a LIFE sentence without Parole, but then thats costly on us taxpayers. Perhaps we should just let the officers shoot back firing squad style.

I agree with Zorro... Right on

Putting the #issing constest / he said - she said aside, my concern is the attitude that since cops were involved that is the "reason" to push for the maximum. My opinion is that Mr Alvarado should get the maximum, however to justify that opionion just because cops are involved cheapens all others. The "everyone is created equal, some are just more equal" or "equal oppurtunity for all, special priviledges for me" attitude is a cancer to our society. And we wonder why those in power or with power (athletes, politicians, authority figures, etc.) do the idiotic things they do? Because the rules do not apply to them because their "special".

Interesting.

I watched the video interview with Tyler as shown on Newscenter25.
http://myvictoriaonline.com/index.php...

At about 2:50 in the video...
the reporter asked Tyler if he was "Taking the lives of these officers lightly."

Tyler responds with "Absolutely not" but as he does so he looks away and to the left.

Looking to the left when responding to a question is a telltale for lying.
It isn't foolproof but it is a very good indicator and it IS USED by law enforcement and others during questionings and interrogations.

Looking to the left when lying hold for righthanded people. it is the opposite for lefthanders.
Tyler however IS righthanded.

If their had been a shootout with members of the Sinaloa drug cartel using automatic weapons and grenades I might get Ure's point. However, the weapon was a .22 cal single shot peashooter. The video looks like the dude was anry and trapped. He bumped his car into the police car and waved the pistol. The cops shot him through the windshield with a real gun trying to kill him. He was angry and out of control. People get out of control when they get angry. They say and do stupid things. Cops live for a day like this was for the adrenaline rush and bragging rights. Trying to make this out to be something as dangerous as a gunfight with real banditos like the Sinaloa drug cartel using automatic weapons and grenades is silly. Ure is well known for his penchant to exaggerate and embellish the facts. This man got 40 years in the slammer and that sounds plenty fair to me. The Chief is just trying to stir the pot and get his "shots" in on the DA. Give it a rest Ure!

Reyrey: "why did the cops didnt shoot once they were fired on?"

He was shot at TWICE. both shots are visible in the video. He was hit once in the chest.

MattOcker: "The police were never actually fired upon, correct?"

Wrong, read the article again. Just as in the Mistrot case, the gun failed to fire. Perhaps it was jammed because Alvarado was beating his wife with the gun earlier. but the firing pin did dent the primer cap on the shell indicating the trigger was pulled.
Or as the article states: "The ensuing investigation showed the bullet casings were indented, meaning Alvarado pulled the trigger, Ure said."

Grouch: "And Good job to the Officers on site that day for holding their cool and finding a non-lethal solution."

Non-lethal?! There but for the grace of god... He was SHOT in the Chest. It was by luck (bad luck so far as I am concerned) that he isn't dead. The first shot would have been a headshot except that it glanced off the vehicle's upright rather than his forehead. Watch the first car's video again . At the final collision where Alvarado was brandishing the gun you can see the impact of the first bullet on the cars upright, right where his face is, then the second shot you can see the impact with the windshield, followed by Alvarado slumping down in the seat after being hit in the chest.

PatientEarth:
You spoke of spousal abuse and I agree with you. What is little known or at least forgotten by many in Victoria is Tyler's attitude towards victims. What began this "rift is not the situation with Ratcliff, but Tyler's rejection of good cases for bad reasons. Several of those cases was Tyler rejecting domestic violence cases because the "Wife would not press charges" The Law recognizes Spousal abuse and the fear of retaliation in the victims and provides for that, the state will press charges regardless of the victim's wishes (except for Tyler).

ArchieBonkers2: "Ure loves to be the center of attraction!"
You mean Attention?
How about you hold off casting aspersions on others until AFTER you learn english.

JackDeuce:
You hit the nail on the head. most of the question raised in this article (and most others as well) are entirely due to the LACK OF DETAILS caused by the reporters ineptness. This is a common problem at the Advocate and one which Chris Cobler refuses to acknowledge.

Dewitt68:
In your discussion with Tyler, did you find out whether the Mistrot trial was ALSO the product of a Plea Bargain?
Alvarado may have gotten 5 more years that Mistrot and therefore you may think the sentences are justified but if that too was a plea bargain, then what is the max the scum could have recieved if not for a plea bargaining DA.

Ure's officers should have issued the death penalty in self defense, declared him dead and the end. Now we are stuck supporting this scum for the next 15 years.Even Barney Fife had one bullet.

Patient Earth..
"Sometimes the spouses don't want that voice, but as I explained earlier they are a long way from being able to make rational decisions when in the midst of ongoing violence." I agree 100%. The spouse never joined any force to put her "life on the line". How should shew be vindicated?

If the police officers can't handle "putting their lives on the line" then I suggest they find a new career. Honestly.... the officers are aware of such probabilities going in.

well, to me it seems like this discussions is putting an emphasis on Ure and Tyler...the real story is about the police officers...the REAL victims...I wonder how they feel about the plea bargain?

Any time anyone threatens an officer, I believe they should be punished to the max. penalty...PERIOD! You would think that anyone...inlcuding TYLER would feel the same. As far as the previous case only getting 35 yrs...well, shame on that too! As I previous stated ANYTIME someone threatens an officer, then it should be punished to the max that the law allows! This should be a no tolerence law!

After all, the men and women who protect our city do so to protect us...don't you think we should also protect them?

I spoke with Mr. Tyler yesterday late afternoon. We discussed issues somewhat similar to what is going on hear with the Alvarado case. He commented that every time, without waiver, he has to use all the right evidence pertaining to the case, and then work on setting the punishment to fit the crime. And I agree. You have to stick by your guns and stay level headed (not let emotions get in the way of doing the job right, like Ure wants).
Here is where precedence was set: “The 40-year prison sentence is just, Tyler said, based on the evidence provided. The prosecutor referred to a similar 2008 case in which Thomas Marcus Mistrot was sentenced to 35 years for aggravated assault against a public servant.” “Mistrot waved a gun at four police officers and pulled the trigger, but left the safety on, Tyler said. Mistrot's case presented stronger evidence than in the Alvarado case, Tyler said.”
I believe that Mr. Tyler used his best judgment based on the evidence given, even pertaining to precedence set by the “Mistrot” case in which the officers were fired upon (however, the gun being on safety at the time). In the Alvarado case officers were never fired on.
I also believe that Judge Cheshire is one that plays hardball. He is stiff in his penalties given. He is aware just as Mr. Tyler is that their decisions made on cases such as this leaves their signature on it.

Have any of you out there thought that maybe the reason Chief Ure is upset is that he might not have been notified and/or involved with the plea bargain arrangement?
Do I agree with the plea bargain? Yes
Do I agree with everything DA Tyler has done? NO
Do I agree with everything Chief URE has done? No

Ure should go back where he came from!

the chief should do his job and not worry about the DA's job! Ure loves to be the center of attraction! he's caused trouble at other places he's been!

It's nice to see all the new people posting in the forum about the angry chief today. It seems Chief Ure has some new friends in here today. I'm sure Ure welcomes this "spontaneous" support today.

40 year sentence.... eligible for parol in 10.....are you sure you want this guy on the streets where your kids play.....i dont.... it is a shame that our public servants cannot even sit down prior to a case trial and discuss what is in the best interest of the safety for the community....if i remember correctly there were no issues at this level prior to the last election .... seems we need to vote correctly for the safety of our community....elections are around the corner VOTE and lets secure our streets.

What I dont understand is how this woman can forgive & take this man back after endangering hers & the lives of these helpless residents and co-workers; what i can understand is why the chief can be angry at the "cheap" sentence of 40 years in prison.

It is part of the Chief’s job to support his employees when they are right and do a good job. It seems only natural that Ure would want the greatest possible sentence for a man convicted of threatening his officers with a gun. It is the DA’s job to review cases and prosecute criminal defendants when they violate the law. Tyler reviewed the case and apparently believed the plea agreement with Arturo Alvarado was fair and just for his criminal actions. What was the punishment range available for Arturo Alvarado’s actions? What was the maximum sentence allowed by law?

If I have read the article correctly, the length of the prison sentence for Arturo Alvarado is only one aspect of the disagreement between Ure and Tyler over this case. The article says Judge Chesire accepted the plea agreement on November 12. It also says “Regarding the plea agreement, Tyler did not contact the officers, who were victims in this case. The district attorney did contact Alvarado's wife.”

I have a curiosity question for anyone who knows. As the victim of a violent felony crime that is prosecuted by Tyler’s office, is it a standard practice for his office to notify the victim when the case is disposed of through a plea agreement? If not, then there is no complaint to be made here by Ure concerning that issue. If so, then one has to wonder why Tyler only contacted Alvarado’s wife but did not contact the officers who were also victims in this case. Are victim officers less important in Tyler’s eyes? Why was there a delay until December 17th before the victim officers were made aware of the plea agreement?

According to the article, “Ure never asked to be involved in plea agreement talks, Tyler said.” Did Ure have any reason to believe the case would not go to trial but would be disposed of through a plea agreement? Is it proper for Ure to request to be involved in plea agreement talks in cases prosecuted by Tyler’s office when he is not the victim? With that reasoning, should Ure request to be involved in all plea agreement talks for cases prosecuted by Tyler’s office? Did Tyler think that Ure might at least be remotely interested in the disposition of this case and have the professional courtesy to simply call, send an email or note by carrier pigeon to let him know of the disposition? I would think that snail mail would probably even reach the victim officers in less than the month that it took before the officers were notified.

Seems to me that victims are frequently overlooked or forgotten when cases are disposed of in the Victoria criminal justice system.

Why would Ure want to rip the scab off right now? Cynical politics at work here. The Chief should resign today! He has demonstrated that he can't work with others.

Enough is Enough
The taxpaying community deserves, no demands, that our elected and appointed officials stop this battle of TOP GUN......Mr. Alvarado, your lucky to still be breathing, once your weapon was displayed against those officers they had every right to end you life.
D.A. Tyler and Police Chief Ure, both are excellent at what they do but I think it's time for them to do it elsewhere, they both seem to know the laws but the City of Victoria and Victoria County will always be known for our feuding leaders and we need someone that is willing to make that change, and these gentlemen are not, no matter what you say or do, there will always be this hate and they will never forget nor will they work together, I know this and You know this, but will you admit it?
Some will close their eyes to this problem and try to make it go away but when you open them its still there.

If these people cannot work side by side then something has to change.

my bad it should be lucky

Was that just one shot? He should consider himself lucking and take the max. And be thankfull he did not get the normal 80 rounds like in other cities. Good job VPD on keeping him alive to suffer in jail.

Good job Mr Tyler! Please continue to keep fair justice in our court system. Don't let yourself bend to the wills of self-serving special-interest people like Chief Ure.
And Good job to the Officers on site that day for holding their cool and finding a non-lethal solution.

Cool, I'm important, someone quoted me! Maybe I'll start a book.

JustinTyme:

I really enjoyed your first post (6:55am) in which you wrote the following: "Has anyone ever noticed that Ure is the one who always says stuff when it doesn't go the way he wants it to." Reminds me of Armstrong when he doesn't get his way; and oh, by the way, didn't Armstrong vehemently defend Ure in 2007? Birds of a feather, etc.

Oh yea, I almost forgot, how come Ure doesn't praise the DA's office when they get these great sentences like in the past few weeks with the habitual drug dealers and murders??? Yes Virginia, there is a District Attorney!

Here we go again. Ure is whining like a little kid because he's still mad about the other issue with Tyler. Has anyone ever noticed that Ure is the one who always says stuff when it doesn't go the way he wants it to. I'd like to hear what the officers involved in the incident have to say about it, the City Council and Ure probably wouldn't let them. OMG! The dude is 41, he got a 40 year sentence, when he's up for parole doesn't mean he's going to get out. The officers were victims and they should be able to speak their peace at the parole hearing to keep this knuckle head in prison. Ure needs to stick with his paper pushing at the office and let the real cops who work the street do their job as well as the District Attorney's Office. You know Bruce, you don't go to a 2-3 month academy to become a lawyer so someone might know a little more than you. And a Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

Who could argue with a 40 year sentence? This is definitely politically motivated since Mr. Tyler has filed for re-election. Yes, Mr. Tyler, we not only request that you serve another term, but we adamantly apologize for the deceptive behavior of our other public officials. Please continue to realize that they do not operate on the same professional level as you and are not as intellectually equipped. Thanks again for your service.

40 years seems long enough to me. My only question was, why did the cops didnt shoot once they were fired on?

Steve Tyler can't report any losses if he makes deals can he? What a great message to send about assaulting police officers. I wonder how he would feel if the assault had been on him?

Does Tyler even know how to take a case to court and actually win it? A good strong case in favor of the government officials and law enforcement of this county? What were his grades in law school and on the lsat?