WATSONVILLE—A man who was recently hired as a Watsonville Police officer—and who is facing assault and vandalism charges for a bizarre string of incidents in South Lake Tahoe on Aug. 20—is no longer employed with the City of Watsonville, Watsonville Police spokeswoman Michelle Pulido said.
The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said that Tyler Leroy Stephens called 911, saying he was under investigation in Santa Cruz for a murder. On that same night, he allegedly battered a man, damaged two slot machines and smashed the windows of three vehicles.
Stephens is facing misdemeanor battery and felony vandalism charges.
He was hired by the City of Watsonville in April.
