"Affluenza" Teen's Father Arrested...For Impersonating a Police Officer

August 20, 2014

Anthony Couch [screenshot from NBC 5 Dallas/Fort Worth]

Anthony Couch [screenshot from NBC 5 Dallas/Fort Worth]

By: Terri Osborne

You might remember earlier this year when we brought you the story of Ethan Couch, who tried to use the now-infamous “affluenza” defense after a car crash that killed four people. Ethan’s father is now in trouble with the law, for posing as the law.

Ethan’s father, Frederick Anthony Couch, was arrested on Tuesday after he allegedly falsely identified himself as a police officer. The incident in question took place on July 28. Officers were called out to a disturbance call in the North Richland Hills area that originally started between a man named Keith Capo and one of his neighbors. Couch had reportedly come over with Capo’s neighbor, gun in hand, after the two got into a dispute. Capo’s wife reportedly called the North Richland Hills police. When officers arrived, Couch identified himself as a reserve officer in the Lakeside area near Lake Worth. The officers dealt with the disturbance call, then turned their attention to Couch. Couch reportedly insisted once again that he was a reserve officer, and even presented what appeared to the unnamed officers to be a badge and appropriate ID. One of the officers had worked with the Lakeside Police Department, and didn’t recognize the badge that Couch showed them. She did not, however, let on that she was dubious. They decided to let Couch go that evening, but then investigated his claim of being an officer.

While Couch owns Cleburne Sheet Metal, where the family gets its millions, their research told them that Couch had never once been licensed as a peace officer in Texas. Once they had enough information to act on, the police officers issued a warrant for Couch’s arrest. He was charged with misrepresentation of property, and false identification as a police officer. Couch later was released on $2,500 bond. This is not Couch’s first run-in with law enforcement. He has reportedly either been arrested or cited at least 24 times since 1989.

NBC 5 Dallas/Fort Worth brings us this report:

Next Up

Who Was Notorious Jewel Thief Jack “Murph The Surf” Murphy?

Not all of the details Murphy shared about his life can be verified, but what we know to be true is a fascinating tale about a daytime surfer who moonlighted as a high-end thief.

How The 1991 Brutal Hate Crime Murder Of Paul Broussard Changed One Texas Community

The murder victim “could have been anybody’s son, anybody’s brother,” says a former Houston mayor.

More Than Half A Century After His Assassination, Dr. King’s Legacy Lives On

On April 4, 1968, James Earl Ray shot and killed the civil rights leader while he stood on the balcony of his Memphis motel room.

How Elusive Serial Killer Ted Kaczynski Was Unmasked As The Unabomber

The self-professed anarchist was captured in 1996 hiding out in a primitive Montana cabin.

Yale University Student Stabbed 17 Times In ‘Heinous’ 1998 Unsolved Off-Campus Murder

“The investigation into the homicide of Suzanne Jovin is a very active case,” authorities say.

Crimes Of The '90s: The Happy Land Fire

On March 25, 1990, a man upset about getting kicked out of the club after a fight with his girlfriend set fire to New York City's Happy Land Social Club, killing 87 people.

Fugitive Goes On The Run After New Year's Eve Murder In 2011

Louis Rojas stands 6 feet 2 inches tall and weighs 220 pounds. According to the U.S. Marshals, Rojas has a strong interest and connection to boxing and could be working out in gyms that offer boxing. If you have any information on his whereabouts, please submit your tips to InPursuitTips.com or text 1-833-378-7783 (3-PURSUE).

Remembering Selena: ‘She Was Just An Amazing Soul’

The iconic musician was shot and killed by the president of her fan club almost three decades ago.

How The Murder Of Vincent Chin Changed Detroit’s Asian American Community — And Michigan Law

Vincent Chin was beaten to death while out celebrating his impending wedding and was buried a day after the ceremony should have taken place.

A 1998 Gruesome Hate Crime Horrified A Small Texas Town

The 1998 murder of James Byrd Jr. appeared to be a hit-and-run at first glance, but it didn’t take investigators long to realize they were dealing with something far more sinister.