A U.S. Army officer was pepper-sprayed, dragged from his vehicle, and arrested during a traffic stop, despite repeatedly stating that he had committed no crime and was actively serving his country.
Second Lieutenant Caron Nazario, who was in uniform at the time, appeared confused and distressed as officers approached his vehicle with weapons drawn. According to video footage and witness accounts, Nazario kept his hands visible and calmly asked, “Why am I being treated this way? I’m serving this country.”
Inside his car, resting on the center console, was a legally purchased firearm. While it remained untouched, its presence may have contributed to the tension during the stop. Nazario appeared concerned that any movement might escalate the situation.
Despite his compliance and lack of any threatening behavior, Officer Joe Gutierrez holstered his firearm and deployed pepper spray at close range after Nazario did not immediately exit the vehicle. Disoriented and temporarily incapacitated, Nazario was then pulled from the car, forced to the ground, and handcuffed.
Throughout the arrest, the officer repeatedly shouted commands, while Nazario pleaded, “Get your hands off me! Please! Lord, get your hands off me!”
The incident has drawn criticism from civil rights groups and military officials alike, with many questioning the officers’ use of force against a non-threatening service member.
“This is not how you treat someone who is actively serving this country,” one community leader said. “This raises serious concerns about policing and accountability.”
Nazario was ultimately not charged with a crime. Officer Gutierrez was later terminated following an internal investigation into the use of force.
