Jason Stringer says he couldn't believe it when his family told him the story. This week his 90-year-old grandfather was outside his Oak Cliff home trying to trim some trees when a Dallas police officer stopped to help.
"An officer showing he cares that much about going out and helping the community," said Stringer. "If anything I think he should get a commendation."
Instead, Stringer said a neighbor made a complaint.
"When he came over someone ended up calling in and reporting there was an officer trimming trees and not on duty," Stringer said.
According to police, that person called District 4 Dallas City Councilwoman Carolyn King Arnold.
Dallas police confirm she called them on behalf of a constituent who was upset about the officer trimming the trees.
"When I first found out about it, I was pretty appalled! I mean here's an officer helping a 90-year-old man who can't trim his trees," Stringer said.
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On Tuesday night Arnold was at a National Night Out event at Glendale Park in Dallas.
NBC 5 asked her about the phone call and the councilwoman had the following response.
"I don't know about complaining or anything and the bottom line is this: any time a call goes in from a constituent it has to be relevant to an issue that they've called, and my thing is in order for us to fight crime we've all got to make sure that we do our part as neighbors," Arnold said.
"Well on National Night Out this is what I think we want to stay committed to, and I'd rather not go into an issue that we don't have all the details on. But the bottom line is neighbors are committed to taking control, investing in their neighborhoods and looking out for what's going on. So I think in terms of holding all officials accountable, public officials accountable, I think it's up to the neighbors to take care of their business. And if they want to reach out to their elected officials to protect their interest or to answer their questions, that's what elected officials are for. Thank you," said Arnold.
She then walked away from the interview and refused to answer any more questions.
Dallas police tell NBCDFW they will not file any formal complaints against the officer over the incident.
In addition, the officer will receive a commendation for his actions, police said. No further details were released.
