SAN ANTONIO – Recently released body camera footage has brought to light a tense encounter involving the sons of former Bexar County Precinct 2 Constable, Michelle Barrientes Vela, and the San Antonio police. The incident took place at the family’s auto dealership on the Northwest Side of San Antonio, where the atmosphere quickly escalated into a chaotic scene.
The footage was made public after the criminal charges against Michael, Anthony, and Carlos Barrientes Vela were resolved in court earlier this year. It reveals the moments leading up to a physical altercation between the brothers and police officers during a medical emergency.
A Medical Emergency Turns Volatile
On April 29, 2024, at around 9:30 PM, San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officers were called to the Barrientes Vela auto dealership after paramedics requested assistance for a medical emergency involving a woman, identified as Michael Barrientes Vela’s girlfriend. While paramedics tended to her in a living unit at the dealership, tensions began to rise among bystanders.
Officers arrived to find a heated family dispute unfolding in the hallway. Michelle Barrientes Vela was seen urging her son Michael to “cut it out” as he expressed his frustration. The situation escalated further when Michael and his older brother Anthony began arguing in the crowded area.
As the chaos continued, Michelle attempted to mediate, suggesting that the family members separate. However, her remarks to the officers indicated that she believed their presence was exacerbating the already tense situation.
When the woman was taken out on a stretcher, Michael expressed his intention to accompany her to the hospital, but tensions flared again after a paramedic informed him he could not ride in the ambulance. The interaction led to a physical confrontation, with Michael telling the officers not to touch him, which resulted in a scuffle.
Escalation and Arrests
The footage shows the officers attempting to subdue Michael, who was eventually tackled to the ground. His brothers, Anthony and Carlos, joined the fray, leading to a chaotic exchange of expletives between the siblings and the officers.
During the altercation, one officer deployed a stun gun on Michael, while three officers sustained injuries, including a dislocated shoulder.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
All three brothers faced felony charges for assault on a peace officer, resisting arrest, and interference with public duties. Anthony was also charged with unlawfully carrying a handgun. However, the handgun charge was later dismissed by a magistrate judge.
In a court appearance, Michael was convicted of resisting arrest but acquitted of assaulting an officer, receiving a suspended jail sentence. His brothers later accepted plea deals for similar charges.
Civil Rights Lawsuit
The Barrientes Vela brothers have since filed a federal civil rights lawsuit, claiming that the SAPD officers violated their rights through excessive force and unlawful entry. They have chosen to represent themselves in this lawsuit, which legal experts note can be quite challenging.
A Family with a Public Background
Michelle Barrientes Vela served as a constable from 2017 to 2019. Her tenure ended amid legal troubles, including a felony conviction for tampering with records, which was later overturned. She has also pursued political ambitions, including a run for the Texas House of Representatives.
This incident highlights the complexities of family dynamics, legal challenges, and the interactions between law enforcement and civilians, making it a significant case in the San Antonio community.
