On September 15, 2023, while near Davis Mountains State Park, I witnessed an incident that has since given me deep cause for concern. A decision by State Park Police Officer Jacob Barton on that day has become a talking point in our community. Directing an unlicensed driver to steer a potentially non-compliant vehicle through town is not only a decision that appears to deviate from standard protocol but also one that unarguably exposed our community to potential dangers — a decision I, and many others, are struggling to comprehend.
I noticed a vehicle pulled into grass tall enough to brush its catalytic converter and ignite a wildfire. It was Officer Barton who had initiated the stop. Given the timing and location, it was clear that he might have been the sole State Park Police officer on duty during this busy period near the park.
Watching the stop unfold from a distance, I discerned that the driver lacked a valid driver’s license and had no vehicle registration. To further heighten the irregularities of the situation, Officer Barton identified an inconsistency with the vehicle’s license plate. Yet, even with these clear red flags, he allowed the unlicensed driver to operate the vehicle en route to a second location approximately 3.5 miles away in Northeast Fort Davis.
Adding to my concerns was witnessing Officer Barton neglect a stop sign at the intersection of TX 17 and 118, and this without activating any emergency lights.
Given what I observed, I felt compelled to file a formal complaint against Officer Barton. The heart of the matter is his decision, which seemingly put procedure ahead of the very safety of Davis Mountains’ residents and visitors.
As the Editor of Big Bend Times and a committed member of this community, I believe in the importance of vigilance, transparency, and accountability. I assure our readers that I will continue to follow this story closely, providing updates as and when they become available.
David you don’t include any background regarding this supposed incident. Did you interview Jacob? Try to understand what led up to this event? Why the person pulled over was himself putting the public at risk instead of loading up on the officer and your perception of his wrongdoing? Something like your article is much what the public is subject to on the part of news media everywhere: Few facts lots of hysteria. I have followed you since Big Bend Times geared up. Generally you are doing a great job. Thank you for that! Steve
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I attempted to ask Jacob basic questions. He was aggressive and rude. First, I simply asked what he was doing. His answer, delivered in an extremely impolite tone, was that he can pull people over anywhere he wants. He thought I was questioning his authority outside the park and attempted to assert it rather than answer the question. I worked for TPWD and am literate. It says “State Police” on his vehicle. I knew he was in his jurisdiction. What I did not know was the status or nature of the stop as Barton failed to answer basic questions in a professional manner. Several things that occurred were concerning. Barton, a state actor on our payroll, chose to send an unlicensed driver through our town. The suspect did drive without a license if Barton’s overheard-words are accurate, but he wasn’t on our payroll while endangering us. Barton was.
So you interfered with a LEO trying to do his job? If it is so egregious report him to his superior.
I attempted to ask Jacob basic questions. First, I simply asked what he was doing. That is not interfering with his duty. It is his duty to answer questions asked by the public he serves. He was aggressive and rude immediately, choosing to “argue” with me about his authority outside the park when I had never asserted otherwise.
Your first comment criticizes not attempting to get more background:
Did you interview Jacob? Try to understand what led up to this event?
Your second mischaracterizes simple questioning of his activity, as interfering with him trying to do his job. Being asked a simple question and providing an answer would not have interfered with his duties in the slightest. In fact, that’s what he should have done: answered the question courteously and professionally.
I did file a complaint with his agency. Just like my article, I focus on the objectively improper acts that put the community in danger rather than his rude conduct towards me. I’m used to rude public employees. Rudeness to citizens is what many government agencies specialize in.
I must say it is unusual for TPWD officers and game wardens, they are usually the coolest people. I am friends with several. Barton is a real outlier in that respect.
I can’t find your previous or subsequent article about the citation you received from the Davis Mountains State Park Ranger to reference. I’m curious, is this article about the same officer? Do you have an axe to grind? Is this fair and unbiased reporting or are you simply using your platform to to retaliate against a authority figure you believe wronged you? There are more respectable ways to handle the situation if I have correctly understood it.
Thank you for your comment and for seeking clarity on the matter.
To set the record straight, I never received any citation. The core issue was an aggressive phone call, which, in my opinion, was both unnecessary and disproportionate, especially given it pertained to the sequence of filling out a form. You know, many of us, including friends of mine, often jest that a text message would be preferable over a call. It’s almost comical how some folks would rather receive any other form of communication than a phone call.
I can just imagine the stand-up routine: “Why did the officer call instead of text? Because he couldn’t find the ‘threaten arrest’ emoji!” Or, “You know you’re in the 21st century when a call feels more intrusive than a knock on your door.”
Jokes aside, I assure you, I have no “axe to grind.” It’s merely a coincidence that the individual affected by this scenario happens to have a platform. My intention is always to share experiences, and this was an incident worth noting. I appreciate your engagement with the content and thank you for being a reader.