BEAUMONT, Texas — The investigation into an Orange County constable accused last week of pulling a gun at his home in front of children and threatening suicide is complete.
Vidor Police Officers were sent to the home of Orange County Precinct Four Constable Matt Ortego after his ex-wife called police just after 1 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 26, 2023 according to an incident report from Vidor Police.
Vidor Police Chief Rod Carroll told 12News the investigation is complete and the case will be forwarded to the Orange County District Attorney this week.
“To the best of our knowledge" investigators have interviewed everyone who was at the home at the time of the incident and found that no child or adult was threatened other than a threat Ortego made toward himself according to a statement released Sunday, Dec. 3, by Ortego’s attorney, Corey Crenshaw.
Ortego's ex-wife told police dispatchers that her daughter had called her crying, saying that Ortego had pulled a gun according to a Vidor Police incident report. She told police that he had threatened to shoot her daughter and other children who were at the home according to the report. She also told dispatchers Ortego was "extremely intoxicated" the report said.
A couple minutes later she told dispatchers she was at Ortego's home and "heard a loud bang."
“There is zero evidence any firearm was ever discharged or pointed at any child,” Crenshaw said in the statement. “Constable Ortego loves his children with all his heart and would never do anything to harm any child.”
Ortego was threatening suicide with a gun at his Vidor home, Carroll told 12News Thursday afternoon.
A little over an hour after officers arrived at the home that Sunday they took Ortego to Christus St. Elizabeth Hospital in Beaumont the report said.
On Thursday Vidor Police Chief Rod Carroll told 12News that Ortego had been transferred to a hospital for a mental health crisis.
“Constable Ortego immediately entered a mental health facility where he remains for treatment by health professionals,” Crenshaw said in Sunday’s statement.
Crenshaw called the incident “a tragic mental health incident” and described media coverage of it as inaccurate.
Ortego has not been charged, but if the investigation showed that any criminal violations happened, then the case will be sent to the Orange County District Attorney's Office, Carroll told 12News.
“Should our understanding of the investigation change, then Constable Ortego will be happy to fully cooperate with investigators and he is fully committed to getting treatment as recommended by health professionals," Crenshaw said in the statement.
Police have not released any other information at this time.
This is a developing story. We will update with more if and when we receive more confirmed information.
Here’s the full statement from Ortego’s attorney as it was posted on Facebook on Sunday…
Following media reports last week that reported inaccurate circumstances surrounding a tragic mental health incident, Constable Ortego retained my firm to assist him with the criminal inquiry.
Constable Ortego immediately entered a mental health facility where he remains for treatment by health professionals.
To the best of our knowledge, investigators have interviewed all witnesses who were at his home at the time of the incident and determined that NO threat was made to any child or adult other than a threat Constable Ortego made to himself.
There is zero evidence any firearm was ever discharged or pointed at any child.
Constable Ortego loves his children with all his heart and would never do anything to harm any child.
Should our understanding of the investigation change, then Constable Ortego will be happy to fully cooperate with investigators and he is fully committed to getting treatment as recommended by health professionals.
We are confident the rumors being spread lack merit and are being made for political purposes.
Overall, the response Constable Ortego and his family have received are positive and they greatly appreciate your understanding and support during this devastating mental health situation.
During Constable Ortego’s medical leave, his hardworking team remains committed to their mission of serving and protecting the citizens of Orange County.
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