An Austin police officer who was caught on video punching an unsuspecting bar-goer on Sixth Street last October has been fired.
Austin Police Chief Lisa Davis issued an indefinite suspension for former Officer Andy Garcia earlier this month. The memo effectively terminates Garcia’s employment, though he can appeal the decision.
Garcia was one of several officers who were criticised for their actions last year after a video of the incident surfaced online. James Rodriguez was one of a handful of people on Sixth Street approached by officers during a scuffle before Garcia suddenly punched him, knocking him out. Rodriguez has since sued the city and Garcia for excessive force in federal court. Garcia and another officer were taken off patrol after the incident, which Austin Mayor Kirk Watson called “inexcusable and indefensible” in October…