The officer had pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge in November.
DALLAS — A Dallas police officer who was charged for firing “less lethal” ammunition and wounding a protester who lost an eye during the 2020 protests over the murder of George Floyd has been demoted, the department confirms.
The Dallas Police Department confirmed Sr. Cpl. Ryan Mabry was demoted to “professional staff member.” Mabry, along with fellow Dallas SWAT officer Sr. Cpl. Melvin Williams and Garland police officer Joe Priviit, was indicted in 2022 for charges related to use of force in the 2020 protests.
Mabry pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge in November. As part of his plea agreement, Mabry was forced to give up his license with the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, the state agency that certifies police officers, according to court records.
“After consulting with his supervisors and my command staff, the decision to demote Ryan Mabry was not made lightly. Due to the revocation of his TCOLE license, he can no longer serve in a sworn capacity. Mr. Mabry will continue to serve Dallas and our Department as a professional staff member,” Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux said in a statement.
Mabry was initially indicted in 2022 on six charges of aggravated assault by a public servant and two charges of deadly conduct, WFAA previously reported.
The charge against Mabry was in connection with the assault of Brandon Saenz, who said he was hit by a sponge round in his left eye and had to have it surgically removed as he protested near Dallas City Hall in 2020.
As part of Mabry’s plea deal, an aggravated assault charge was reduced to a misdemeanor assault charge, which is punishable by up to a year in jail, court records showed. Prosecutors dismissed the other cases against Mabry, court records showed.
Aggravated assault by a public servant is punishable by up to life in prison.
Mabry’s plea deal marked the closing of all known criminal cases against officers accused of use of force during the 2020 protests.
Former Dallas SWAT officer Melvin Williams pleaded guilty to a deadly conduct charge last August and was sentenced to three years deferred adjudication probation and required to give up his TCOLE license, court documents showed.
Privitt also pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor assault charge in November, according to court records.