‘Live PD’ Arrest Leads to $2.5 Million Civil Rights Payout

A Texas county agreed Tuesday to pay $2.5 million to resolve allegations that it staged the arrest of a SWAT team to benefit the A&E reality show “Live PD.”

Gary Watsky argued in court that deputies did not have a warrant when they broke down his front and back doors, fired a “stun grenade” and overran his home in May 2019. According to his lawsuit, Watsky was held at gunpoint, searched and taken outside, where he saw a television cameraman and was informed that the search was being filmed for “Live PD.”

The officers were there to arrest Watsky’s son, Asher, who had appeared in court earlier in the day on a separate charge. The lawsuit alleged that Asher Watsky could have easily been taken into custody peacefully at the courthouse, but deputies chose a dramatic and violent raid because it made for better television.

The Williamson County Commissioners Court approved the $2.5 million settlement Tuesday 4-1 without public discussion. The settlement was first reported by KVUE, the Austin-based ABC affiliate.

The incident, originally uncovered by KVUE, was one of a series of abuses arising from the county sheriff’s relationship with “Live PD.” In March 2019, Javier Ambler died after a chase when police repeatedly hit him with a Taser when he told them he couldn’t breathe and had a heart condition. Two deputies were charged with manslaughter but were acquitted at trial.

Sheriff Robert Chody was also charged with allegedly covering up the incident by arranging for the “Live PD” footage to be destroyed. According to the Austin American-Statesman, the county agreed to pay $5 million to Ambler’s family, the largest settlement in county history.

Chody lost his bid for re-election in 2020.

The Watsky lawsuit accused Chody and his deputies of “perceiving themselves as actors for the entertainment of this television series.”

“Various representatives basked in the limelight of the accolades that come with the fame and status of aspiring celebrities,” the lawsuit says, creating the motivation to heighten the drama of the show. According to the lawsuit, Chody would tweet invitations to see the latest “Live PD” episode at the local theater.

Williamson County sought to terminate its contract with “Live PD” in August 2019 after complaints about its impact on law enforcement and fears the show would lead to higher insurance premiums. However, according to the county, Chody continued to allow filming behind the county’s back. The county sued him in 2020 to seek a court declaration that the contract had been terminated.

“Blinded by the television lights, Sheriff Chody has lost sight of his core responsibilities as sheriff of Williamson County,” county attorneys said at the time. “His job is sheriff, not TV producer, reality TV star or showbiz agent.”

“Live PD” was canceled by A&E in 2020 due to the protests following the killing of George Floyd. “On Patrol: Live,” a show in the same format from the same producers, is now airing on Reelz.