ABC-7 LISTENS: Constable deputy admits parking in handicapped spot, explains why

An El Paso County Precinct 5 constable deputy was caught in a handicapped spot at an eastside bank Sunday.

Constable Manny Lopez said a ticket for being in a handicapped spot without a placard or plate can cost a person anywhere from $250-$300. ABC-7 spoke with Lopez after one of our viewers snapped two pictures of one of his deputies in a handicapped spot at Bank of America on Lee Trevino and Rojas drives.

“I think the constables take advantage of their authority. They really don’t have that much, but they take advantage of what they do have,” Ricky Herrada said.

The bank was closed when the pictures were supposedly taken.

The deputy driving county marked unit No. 53 said he was telling others to move from handicapped spots. People were parked there using the ATM but he said he should have cited them instead.

Here in El Paso, the law is protected by the city and the Texas Transportation Code.
The city website says the fine is $275 per violation.

Lopez told ABC-7 he does believe his deputy may have used poor judgment by parking in the spot; but ultimately, it is the city’s responsibility to monitor people parking in handicapped spots who don’t have a legal right to be in them. Lopez would not comment on camera nor let his deputy do so.