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A lieutenant with the METRO Police Department faces charges after allegedly attempting to strike a church pastor, identified as her former romantic partner, in court documents.
Lt. Tarlesha James has been charged with aggravated assault with a deadly weapon against a family member for an incident occurring on the morning of May 13 in the parking lot of the Willowbend Apartments near Humble.
According to court records, the victim is Roderick Darnell Dawson, the pastor at St. Paul AME Church on Gears Road.
James’ attorney, Letitia Quinones-Hollins, asserted Wednesday that there was no criminal activity, emphasizing that James did not make contact with the victim with her vehicle and did not leave the scene.
Court documents indicate that Dawson informed a deputy with the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office that he and James had previously been in a relationship that ended two years ago but continued as friends. On the morning of the incident, Dawson reportedly requested James to deliver a key to the apartment complex on FM 1960 Bypass Road, where the altercation occurred.
Quinones-Hollins explained that Dawson perceived a threat due to James being in a different vehicle, causing him to dive out of the way and sustain injuries.
The investigator noted in court records that James was operating her METRO-issued SUV, which accelerated and steered toward Dawson, while allegedly yelling, “I told you not to (expletive) with me” as he lay on the ground.
Dawson sustained injuries including a cut requiring stitches, a broken hand, a broken rib, and a broken knee. Quinones-Hollins stated that James promptly provided assistance and transported Dawson to the hospital.
When approached for comment, Dawson did not respond to inquiries about the incident or his condition.
METRO police stated that James has been placed on administrative leave. Quinones-Hollins expressed confidence that her client will be exonerated once the District Attorney’s office reviews the facts.