A Karnes County sheriff’s deputy has been on paid suspension since September 1 pending an investigation into an alleged assault.

Karnes County Sheriff David Jalufka has the Texas Rangers investigating allegations that Deputy David Kunschik assaulted an individual during an evening traffic stop that day.

"There’s an alleged incident that happened with one of my officers. There are two different stories. I would rather not (elaborate on the stories) since it’s under investigation by another agency at this time," Jalufka said. "I wish I could, but I can’t. (Kunschik) has a right to his due process."

Jalufka refused to go into detail regarding the investigation while it still is ongoing. A public information request for video footage of the traffic stop was submitted by The Countywide, but sheriff’s department officials say the tape doesn’t exist.

Chief Deputy A.C. Alonzo said the vehicle Kunschik was driving that night had an old camera system in it that needed to be activated manually, and that for a reason unknown at this time, it wasn’t turned on.

Kunschik has given a statement to the Texas Rangers, but the contents of the statement were not available to The Countywide as of press time Tuesday.

The alleged victim, 18-year-old Farin Martinez, agreed to tell his side of the story.

Martinez is alleging Kunschik pulled his vehicle over at around 8 p.m. September 1 in Runge. Martinez was in a passenger seat and Kunschik’s son was at the steering wheel, Martinez said.

Martinez admitted he had been driving donuts in a baseball field in the area just a few minutes prior to being stopped. Martinez said that Kunschik approached the vehicle with his sidearm drawn, ordered everyone out, and started arguing with him.

Martinez said he was then headbutted by the deputy and his nose was broken as a result of the alleged assault.

He said Kunschik then ordered him in the back of the police vehicle and drove him to his friend’s house.

At the house, another officer was called and a friend took Martinez to the emergency room at Otto Kaiser Memorial Hospital.

Though Jalufka was unable to tell Kunschik’s side of the story, he did say he’s been taken aback by the allegations. Both he and Alonzo said Kunschik is the last officer they’d expect to lose his temper.

"He’s a good officer — been with us a long time. He is the most courteous, forgiving person. It’s beyond me," Jalufka said.

Calls to Kunschik’s home and a message left on his machine were not returned as of press time Tuesday.