The Austin , Texas , police chief said he was trying to put a jaywalking arrest `` in context '' when he said police in other towns `` are actually committing sexual assaults on duty . '' Now he 's apologized for his choice of words . The controversy started Thursday when someone posted a video that showed jogger Amanda Jo Stephen , 24 , in handcuffs and sitting on the sidewalk near the University of Texas campus . Moments later she 's shown yelling and cursing at Austin police officers as they load her into a police car . When asked about the video Friday , Police Chief Art Acevedo said , `` Cops are actually committing sexual assaults on duty so I thank God that this is what passes for a controversy in Austin , Texas . ... And I 'm glad that I 'm here having to address mediocrity . '' A day later , he was forced to backtrack . `` During the press conference I attempted to place the arrest into context by bringing attention to the fact that law enforcement deals with many acts of serious misconduct , '' he said in a statement Saturday . `` This includes recent instances in the news of sexual assault by police officers in other cities . In hindsight I believe the comparison was a poor analogy , and for this I apologize . '' The arrest occurred as Austin police are trying to cut down on jaywalking . CNN affiliate KXAN reported that seven people were arrested Thursday near 24th and San Antonio streets , where Stephen was arrested . Acevedo said the woman was arrested for not giving police her name when asked , KXAN reported . Acevedo noted on Saturday that Austin police had been through an emotional week . On Friday , a man was convicted of killing Austin police officer Jaime Padron in 2012 .
A video showing Austin police arresting a jaywalker was posted . The man in the video, identified as Michael Smith, is seen being taken into custody by officers after he ignored their commands to stop. `` in context '' Chief said in other towns , `` cops are actually committing sexual assaults on duty '' He apologized for `` a poor analogy ''