Texas Nurse Fired After Controversial Comments to Police

A nurse in Texas, who previously received awards for her work, was terminated after a body camera video captured her telling a police officer she would let him die if he needed help at the hospital.

The incident occurred just after midnight Saturday when officers from the Magnolia Police Department arrested a woman, identified as Crystal Tadlock, on suspicion of drunk driving.

According to the arrest report, the 35-year-old Tadlock was speeding and disregarding traffic signals. When stopped, it reportedly took her about 40 seconds to pull over, hitting a piece of concrete in the process.

Officers described her as having bloodshot eyes and slurred speech. Tadlock acknowledged having consumed two drinks, a beer and a wine mixer, before driving. She also declined a breathalyzer test, though officers conducted one at the scene. During a field sobriety test, she reportedly nearly fell backward, attributing it to an eye injection.

Body camera footage shows Tadlock expressing frustration to the officers, claiming she couldn’t walk straight due to her eye condition. She was arrested and charged with driving under the influence.

While being taken to the Montgomery County Jail, she verbally confronted the officers about her heritage. In one exchange, she tried to interrupt an officer informing her of her rights, making a comment referencing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

Police noted that Tadlock had worked at Memorial Hermann Greater Heights Hospital for seven years. In a statement on Facebook, they mentioned her shocking comments: “The woman, who is a nurse, said that if any of us came to her hospital, she would make sure we died.” She was heard saying, “Greater Heights, don’t go there,” adding that she was a “shitty nurse.”

Eventually, Tadlock was released from custody. Authorities noted they couldn’t press charges due to her behavior not qualifying for serious charges at that time. They were still waiting for blood test results from her arrest.

The hospital later confirmed her dismissal and expressed their commitment to patient safety. They stated that once they became aware of the incident, they swiftly suspended her and proceeded with termination. Memorial Hermann Greater Heights had recognized Tadlock previously for her outstanding nursing during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Despite her accolades, the fallout from this incident overshadowed her achievements, leaving a significant mark on her career.