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May 13, 2015
Reckless Driver Resists Arrest
On Monday, May 4, 2015, at about 5:30 p.m., San Diego County Sheriff's Department
Detective Paul Ward was returning to Sheriff's Administrative Offices after conducting an
interview in East County. Detective Ward was on duty at the time. As he was preceding west
bound on I-8, in the area of I-125, he observed a vehicle coming up behind him at a high rate of
speed. The car swerved to the left, driving onto the dirt center median, fishtailed, and narrowly
missed colliding with Detective Ward's car. The car continued driving erratically, weaving in
and out of traffic, west bound on I-8. Detective Ward did not follow the car, but noticed it up
ahead, when traffic slowed. He observed this vehicle take the College Avenue exit and he began
to follow at that point.
The car ultimately stopped and parked in the driveway of a residence in the 6300 block of
Lambda Drive. Detective Ward and the driver of the other car, 25-year-old Robert Branch,
exited their respective vehicles. Detective Ward verbally identified himself to Branch as a San
Diego Deputy Sheriff and produced his badge and identification card. Branch was wearing a
black tactical vest with "Security" on the front with an attached gun holster.
Detective Ward asked Branch for his license and registration, at which time Branch
became agitated, uncooperative, and refused to comply with Detective Ward's request. Branch
claimed Detective Ward was not on duty.
Detective Ward attempted to check Branch for weapons, however, Branch physically
resisted those attempts. Detective Ward explained to Branch he was being detained, however,
Branch refused to comply and began to walk away. At this point, Branch started to record the
encounter on his cell phone. As Branch continued to resist, he turned his back to Detective Ward.
Detective Ward could not see his hands or if Branch was reaching for a gun or other weapon
from the front of his vest. At that point, Detective Ward applied the department-approved
carotid-restraint to bring Branch under control. Detective Ward requested a passerby to call the
police. Branch passed out for several seconds and then regained consciousness, where he
continued to be uncooperative, hostile, and attempted to flee. Detective Ward again placed his
arm around Branch in a carotid restraint position, but he did not apply pressure to render Branch
unconscious.
Branch continued to struggle when Detective Ward observed Branch holding a canister of
pepper spray in his hand. Detective Ward instructed Branch to drop the pepper spray, and at this
time, Branch did relinquish it. Eventually, Branch calmed down, complied, and was instructed
to sit on the curb and wait for the San Diego Police Department to arrive.
San Diego County Sheriff’s Department
May 13, 2015
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Branch complained of neck pain and to ensure he did not suffer any injury, paramedics
were summoned. Branch was transported to Scripps Mercy Hospital for medical evaluation and
was subsequently cleared to be booked into jail. Detective Ward was later treated for minor
injuries.
Branch was booked into Central Jail for Resisting an Officer (felony) and Reckless
Driving (misdemeanor). The case has been referred to the District Attorney's Office for review
and evaluation.
Any time force is used by a Deputy Sheriff, the incident is reviewed to determine if
department policy was followed. This encompasses all elements of the situation, to include
tactics.
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