Baytown Police Department Addresses Dismissal of Charges Against Former Officers

The Baytown Police Department has responded to inquiries regarding the recent dismissal of criminal charges against former officers Teddy Sims and Samuel Serrett, stemming from a 2019 incident. The dismissal came as part of an agreement between the defendants and the Harris County District Attorney’s Office.

Confirming the developments, the Baytown Police Department stated that both individuals have permanently surrendered their Peace Officers Licenses to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE). Effective Friday, March 8, 2024, Sims and Serrett are no longer employed with the City of Baytown Police Department.

The department emphasized that neither the City of Baytown nor the Baytown Police Department were involved in the agreement reached with the DA’s Office. Furthermore, it was underscored that this incident does not align with the values or practices of the department.

Chief of Police John Stringer reassured the community, stating, “It’s essential to acknowledge that the incident in 2019 does not represent our department today. We’ve grown and learned from this experience, further solidifying our commitment to serving with integrity and maintaining the trust of our community.”

In an initial statement shared on February 22, 2024, the Baytown Police Department had acknowledged the dismissal of charges against Sims and Serrett. Both officers had been placed on administrative leave during the investigation. The department had indicated its intention to await confirmation from TCOLE before taking further action.

The department reiterated its commitment to upholding key values of honor, integrity, and professionalism, emphasizing continuous review of policies and procedures to ensure fairness and equity for all individuals.