A Laredo police officer has been indefinitely suspended following an internal investigation that examined a series of incidents involving alcohol use, firearm handling, and damage to a department vehicle that was not reported at the time it occurred. The decision followed a review of investigative findings that officials said revealed multiple incidents raising concerns about judgment, safety, and compliance with departmental expectations.

According to the disciplinary notice, Officer Robert K. Easton was formally notified of the suspension on February 5, 2026. The letter informing the city’s civil service commission of the decision was dated the following day and confirmed that the suspension took effect immediately, removing the officer from duty without pay or benefits.  Department leadership stated that the decision came after reviewing investigative records and recommendations from internal review processes.

Shooting Incident Involving Live-In Girlfriend

The investigation that ultimately led to the suspension began with an incident in August 2025 at Easton’s residence. On the night of August 10, 2025, Easton contacted the Laredo Police Department to report that his live-in girlfriend, who also worked as a Laredo police officer, had suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound while they were at home. Officers responded to the scene and began an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

While the initial response focused on the shooting itself, investigators soon began reviewing additional evidence connected to the incident. According to the disciplinary report, communications recovered during the investigation contained messages referencing alcohol consumption and statements about self-harm. These findings prompted investigators to examine Easton’s conduct more closely in the hours leading up to the shooting. As the inquiry progressed, officials began uncovering additional events that raised questions about earlier conduct involving department equipment and possible alcohol use.

Patrol Vehicle Crash Discovered During Investigation

Investigators reviewing department records discovered that a patrol vehicle assigned to Easton had been involved in a crash the day before the shooting incident. On August 9, 2025, Easton had been driving a marked police unit while responding to a domestic disturbance call. During the response, the vehicle struck a concrete barrier, causing significant damage to the tire and portions of the suspension system.

Video from the vehicle’s dashboard camera captured the collision, investigators said. According to the disciplinary report, the camera was turned off shortly after the crash occurred. Officials later determined that the damage required replacement of the tire, wheel components, and part of the vehicle’s suspension system, resulting in repair costs exceeding $4,000 to the City of Laredo. 

Investigators also determined that the crash was never reported to a supervisor at the time it occurred. Department procedures require officers to report damage to department vehicles so the incident can be documented and reviewed. Because the crash was not disclosed, investigators said the department was unable to immediately evaluate the circumstances of the collision, determine whether anyone had been injured, or conduct a screening to determine whether alcohol or other substances may have been involved.

Evidence Points to Alcohol Use and Firearm Handling

As investigators continued examining the events surrounding the shooting incident, evidence suggested that Easton had been drinking alcohol that night before leaving his residence during an argument with his live-in girlfriend. According to the report, investigators determined that Easton drove a vehicle after consuming alcohol and was also in possession of a firearm during that time.

During the internal investigation, Easton was required to provide a recorded statement about the allegations. In that interview, investigators said Easton acknowledged that the earlier vehicle crash should have been reported and confirmed that the damage to the patrol unit met the department’s criteria for a reportable accident. However, officials said he did not provide a clear explanation for why the incident was never disclosed to supervisors at the time.

Easton also admitted during the interview that he had consumed alcohol before the police response on the night of the shooting. According to the disciplinary report, he told investigators that he handled multiple firearms that evening while under the influence of alcohol. At one point during the dispute with his live-in girlfriend, he stated that he pointed a handgun at his own head.

Messages and Additional Conduct Examined

Investigators also reviewed cellphone communications recovered during the investigation. The messages included references to excessive alcohol consumption and statements suggesting emotional distress or threats of self-harm. Easton told investigators that some of those statements were exaggerated and intended to provoke a response or sympathy from the recipients.

Despite that explanation, investigators said other evidence collected during the case raised additional concerns. Easton acknowledged that during a separate argument with his live-in girlfriend on a previous occasion he had inflicted a cut on his own back. Investigators said the injury was supported by evidence gathered during the investigation.

The review also uncovered additional conduct involving the use of a personal cellphone in connection with department operations. Investigators said Easton had previously used his personal phone to record video of body-worn camera footage. Officials also determined that he had consumed an alcoholic beverage before reporting to work on another occasion.

Department Finds Pattern of Unsafe Behavior

After reviewing the investigative findings, the chief of police concluded that the events described in the report demonstrated a pattern of unsafe behavior rather than a single isolated mistake. Officials wrote that the investigation revealed multiple incidents involving alcohol use, unsafe handling of firearms, failure to report damage to a department vehicle, and improper use of personal electronic devices connected to department operations. The findings were based on investigative records, forensic analysis, and statements made during the internal inquiry.

Investigators also determined that some statements made by Easton during the investigation were inconsistent with other evidence gathered during the case. Officials said those contradictions raised additional concerns about reliability and accountability.

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