HPD officer arrested, accused of entering Fredericksburg home intoxicated

In Houston, Texas (KTRK), a Houston police officer has been placed on desk duty following his arrest for public intoxication over the weekend in Fredericksburg.

James Joshua Barnett was apprehended by Fredericksburg police in the 300 block of East College Street at 12:23 a.m. on Saturday.

According to a department spokesperson, officers responded to a residence after receiving a report about a highly intoxicated man entering someone’s home. It remains unclear whether the individual knew Barnett.

Upon arrival, officers found Barnett outside the residence, with a firearm discovered in the waistband of his pants.

He was taken into custody, and his firearm was secured by authorities.

The arresting officer observed that Barnett exhibited red, bloodshot eyes, alcohol-scented breath, slurred speech, and unsteadiness on his feet, as reported by the department.

Officials stated that Barnett was unable to provide information about his whereabouts or origin to the police.

The Houston Police Department confirmed Barnett’s arrest and subsequent booking into Gillespie County Jail. They also announced that he was placed on restricted desk duty pending an investigation by their internal affairs division.

HPD released a statement regarding the arrest of the officer, indicating that Barnett resigned from his position after the arrest. The department spokesperson further mentioned that Barnett’s charges were dismissed without a conviction, although they were not informed about the charge or the reason for dismissal.

Barnett had reapplied and was rehired by HPD in November 2023.