Houston park ranger arrested and accused of demanding money and threatening to arrest park boss – Houston Public Media

A park ranger at a Houston city park was arrested and charged early Wednesday morning over allegations that he demanded money from a park patron and threatened arrest.

Joey Lamar Ellis, 33, of Webster, is charged with official oppression, a felony charge.

Ellis allegedly demanded money from Joshua Beede, the complainant, in Cullen Park in exchange for not being arrested, according to court documents.

Beede told ABC13 he was sleeping in his car at the park when Ellis, who had a gun in his pocket, allegedly knocked on his window, threatened to arrest him and demanded he take off his clothes.

Beede said Ellis took his ID, demanded money and help to lure others to the park, according to ABC13.

The Houston Parks and Recreation Department could not immediately be reached for comment Wednesday morning.

Ellis was being held on $30,000 bail Wednesday morning, according to court documents. Under the conditions of his bond, Ellis cannot use or possess a firearm and he is restricted to remaining in Harris County.

He is due to appear in court on Thursday.