Off-duty Temple Police officer arrested in El Paso after firing gun at hotel
El Paso Police have arrested an off-duty Temple, Texas police officer.
He was in town for the Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas (C.L.E.A.T.) convention.
It happened at 11:30 p.m. Sept. 8 at the Chase Suites Hotel on Montana, near the airport.
The Temple Police officer has been identified as 28-year-old Kenneth Lee Sheka of Temple, Texas. KVUE-TV reports that Sheka is a corporal in the Temple Police Department.
El Paso Police say Sheka allegedly sexually harassed a female server, even touching the woman.
She rejected his advances and demanded he stop.
El Paso Police say that’s when Sheka pulled out his gun and fired a round – striking a wall.
Other people attending the convention immediately subdued and disarmed Sheka.
El Paso Police arrested Sheka and charged him with deadly conduct/discharge of firearm. He was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility with a bond set at $2,500.
El Paso Police are not releasing Sheka’s booking photo because he is a peace officer. Police cited not having direct knowledge of his work history with Temple, along with Section 552.110 of the Government Code which restricts the release of officer photos in certain situations, specifically if the release of the picture could jeopardize the officer’s safety.
KVUE-TV reports that Temple Police will conduct an internal investigation into the allegations against Sheka in El Paso. The Austin TV station also reports that Sheka will meet with the Temple’s interim chief of police to discuss potential disciplinary actions when Sheka returns from El Paso. Sheka was at the C.L.E.A.T. on his own and not representing the City of Temple. He also paid his own way for the convention.
