A Corpus Christi doctor has had his medical license temporarily suspended after being arrested for public intoxication.
A news release from the Lamesa Police Department said that on Jan. 5, its officers responded to a call at the Medical Arts Hospital in reference to an intoxicated person causing a disturbance.
When officers arrived, they made contact with Dr. Rafael Fermin Garcia, who was serving as the on-duty emergency room doctor.
Witnesses told police that Garcia was being belligerent and walking around in the public area of the emergency room in only his underwear.
Officers arrested Garcia and charged him with public intoxication. He was booked him into the Dawson County Jail on an outstanding warrant for criminal mischief out of Ector County.
A disciplinary panel of the Texas Medical Board temporarily suspended Garcia's Texas medical license on Wednesday.
A press release from the Texas Medical Board reads that the panel made the decision after determining his continuation in the practice of medicine poses a continuing threat to public welfare.
The suspension was effective immediately.
A temporary suspension hearing will be held within 10 days for Dr. Garcia, unless he waives the hearing. The temporary suspension remains in place until the Board takes further action.
