Report: Retired Metro deputy chief grabbed North Las Vegas captain around the neck before arrest

By Brian Nordli

Wednesday, July 3, 2013 | 5:11 p.m.

A retired Metro Police deputy chief gripped his hand around North Las Vegas Police Capt. Frank DeMartino’s neck and began to squeeze.

Moments before, DeMartino had been assisting Carl Fruge and another driver exchange information after a collision in a One Nevada Credit Union parking lot at 7703 Durango Drive.

As Fruge, 59, gripped DeMartino’s neck, he demanded his license back and threatened to punch DeMartino in the face. DeMartino could smell the stink of an alcoholic beverage on Fruge.

DeMartino swatted Fruge's hand off his neck and called 911, requesting Metro Police’s assistance.

These were the details outlined in a Metro Police arrest report following an incident Tuesday that began with the minor collision between Fruge and another vehicle and resulted in Fruge’s arrest. Fruge was charged with driving while intoxicated and battery on a protected person.

The report indicates the following:

DeMartino watched Fruge leave a One Nevada Credit Union ATM at about 1:15 p.m. and drive his motorcycle toward the parking lot exit. As he attempted to turn, he crashed into the passenger side door of a Honda SUV that was driving past the bank.

Because the accident occurred on private property, DeMartino directed Fruge and the driver of the SUV to the bank parking lot and attempted to assist both drivers in exchanging their information. DeMartino was wearing plain clothes and identified himself as a police officer.

Fruge then began to argue with the driver of the SUV. In the midst of the argument, the driver gave Fruge’s driver’s license to DeMartino to assist in the situation. That's when Fruge demanded his license back and challenged DeMartino’s authority.

DeMartino was wearing a soft cast on his leg and struggled to escape from Fruge’s grip on his neck. He freed himself from Fruge’s grip long enough to call 911 and ask that Metro Police arrest Fruge.

Two witnesses completed voluntary written statements that matched DeMartino’s statements. Fruge declined to give a statement.