Father of ‘affluenza’ teen arrested for impersonating an officer

NORTH RICHLAND HILLS, Texas – The father of a North Texas teenager who killed four people in a drunken-driving wreck and served no prison time has been arrested on charges related to impersonating an officer.

North Richland Hills police say Frederick Anthony Couch faces charges after an early morning disturbance July 28. He was taken into custody Tuesday and released after posting $2,500 bail.

Police say Couch showed a badge and identified himself as a reserve officer in Lakeside, northwest of Fort Worth, but investigators later determined he’s not a licensed officer in Texas.

His son Ethan Couch was given 10 years’ probation for the wreck last year. A psychologist claimed the teen’s parents coddled him into a sense of irresponsibility – a condition the witness called “affluenza.”

Neither Frederick Couch nor his attorney could be reached for comment.

This story was originally published August 21, 2014 at 6:51 AM with the headline "Father of ‘affluenza’ teen arrested for impersonating an officer."