Video during traffic stop results in backlash. Stanislaus Sheriff’s Office comments
Cellphone footage of a Stanislaus County Sheriff’s Office deputy conducting a traffic stop in Patterson is making its rounds on social media — with some calling his use of force excessive.
The video, which begins partway through the stop, shows the driver of a car on the phone with a 911 dispatcher. The driver — identified as by the Stanislaus County District Attorney’s Office as Joshua Rhodes — tells the operator he’s calling because “I don’t feel safe.”
At the beginning of the video, the driver asks for the deputy’s supervisor. The deputy responds by telling the driver, “Hang up your phone or I’m placing you under arrest.”
The stop was initiated because of a red light violation, according to a release from the Patterson Police Services, a subdivision of the Sheriff’s Office.
The deputy repeatedly demands the driver exit his vehicle, which Rhodes refuses to do. Eventually the deputy, referred to as “Officer Helms” in the video, tries to open the door of the car and pull out the driver. All the while, the passenger films.
The deputy strikes the driver of the car a few times in the face. Eventually, the deputy pulls out his taser and deploys it, appearing to hit both the driver and the passenger. After that, the deputy pulls out his gun and points it at the driver. The video then shows the driver and the passenger being arrested once backup arrives.
Rhodes was arrested on suspicion of using violence or threats to impede a law enforcement official from doing his duty. His passenger — identified as Elianna Barraza — was arrested on suspicion of resisting arrest, according to Chief Deputy District Attorney Wendell Emerson.
Patterson Police Services announced that an internal review of the incident is underway. It also stated that it “cannot provide specific details regarding the case at this moment.” Lt. Dave Mullins, spokesperson for the Sheriff’s Office, said the full, unedited body-camera footage of the stop will be released sometime during the week of April 6.
“Obviously, any allegations or concerns that the community has about our deputy’s on-duty conduct [are] captured on our body-worn camera systems,” said Mullins. “That footage is there to capture the true events of ... what happened for both parties.”
Mullins confirmed the footage is under an internal review and audit “to make sure that we are acting lawfully and within policy.”
“Because this incident has occurred within the last few days, it will be reviewed by our internal team of experts that will determine what, if any, polices were violated,” he said.
Bianca Lopez of Valley Improvement Projects submitted an opinion piece to The Bee that criticizes the deputy’s actions during the stop, the Sheriff’s Office’s internal review process, the press release from the Patterson Police Service and a news article in another publication.
“Another viral video. Another brutal encounter. Another excuse-riddled press release,” wrote Lopez. “This time, it’s in our backyard — Patterson, California — where a Stanislaus County Sheriff’s deputy, contracted through Patterson Police Services, violently escalated what should have been a routine traffic stop.”
Lopez also argued that Rhodes had every right to call 911 during the stop, writing that “calling 911 during a police stop because you fear for your safety is not ‘misuse.’ “It’s a desperate plea for protection in a system that has repeatedly shown it cannot be trusted to police itself. For the department to criminalize that act is not just outrageous — it’s dangerous.”
In its press release, Patterson Police Services recommended and advised:
Pull Over Safely: Once you notice you are being pulled over, safely move your vehicle to the side of the road.
Avoid obstructing traffic and stop at the earliest safe location.
Fully Roll Down Your Window(s): This allows for clearer communication between you and the deputy.·
Be Polite and Respectful: Deputies have the authority to issue citations for traffic violations but can also exercise discretion if there are mitigating circumstances. Always maintain a respectful tone, as it will help facilitate a smoother interaction.
Keep Your Hands Visible: Place your hands on the steering wheel to provide reassurance to the deputy. This also applies to any passengers in the vehicle.·
Comply with the Deputy’s Lawful Orders: Deputies may ask passengers to exit the vehicle for officer safety reasons. While you may question the necessity of a request, it’s important to comply in the moment. There are formal processes in place to address any concerns about your rights
Legal Information Regarding Traffic Stops:· Pennsylvania vs. Mimms (Supreme Court): During a lawful traffic stop, officers can ask the driver to exit the vehicle and conduct a pat-down search for weapons if they reasonably believe there is a safety threat.
Penal Code 834a: If you know or should reasonably know you are being arrested by a peace officer, you must refrain from resisting the arrest.·
Penal Code 835a: Officers may use reasonable force to make an arrest, overcome resistance, or prevent escape. Their decision to use force is carefully evaluated based on the circumstances of the situation.
Penal Code 653x: Misuse of the 911 emergency line is a misdemeanor.
Penal Code 148(a)(1): It is a misdemeanor to willfully resist, delay, or obstruct a public officer, peace officer, or emergency medical technician during their duties.
In reaction to PPS’s recommendations, Lopez listed her own:
Lock your car doors and put the keys in your pocket.
Remain calm, but take mental notes or record if it is safe to do so. Ask for badge numbers.
You do not have to consent to a search of your body or your vehicle unless you are under arrest or they have probable cause.
This story was originally published April 4, 2025 at 2:00 PM.
