by | Published
Abraham Veliz, 31, of New Braunfels, pled guilty to Obstruction or Retaliation and Assault Against a Peace Officer and has been sentenced to 10 years in prison. Judge Gary Steel of the 274th District Court issued the sentence.
The charges stem from an incident on August 13, 2023, when officers responded to a call in the 200 block of Seville Drive. As officers stepped out of their vehicles, Veliz approached one of the patrol units. Officers told him to step back, but he refused, saying he was there to “back up” a friend who was the subject of an active police investigation.
Officers reported that Veliz smelled strongly of alcohol, had bloodshot eyes, and refused to follow instructions. Despite several orders to leave the area so officers could safely handle the original call, he continued to interfere.
Veliz was detained for Interference with Public Duties and Public Intoxication. Even after being taken into custody, he refused to identify himself, became increasingly combative, and taunted officers. While an officer was attempting to seat him in a patrol vehicle, Veliz lunged forward and headbutted the officer in the nose.
According to investigators, Veliz then threatened the officer, saying he would have caused more harm if he had not been handcuffed. He laughed and remarked, “I broke his nose. He’s lucky I didn’t [expletive] stick him with my hands.” Veliz also made multiple comments about locating the officer after his release from jail and harming him.
The case was investigated by the New Braunfels Police Department and prosecuted by District Attorney Jennifer Tharp and Assistant District Attorney Pawandeep Singh on behalf of the State of Texas.
