A shocking video surfaced on the 13th of an altercation between a man and a child’s birthday party, which was filmed by a concerned mother. After investigation, Galveston police have confirmed that the incident involved an off-duty officer. An internal investigation is currently underway due to the nature of the encounter.
A video has surfaced online, showing Galveston police officer Jared Rivas repeatedly striking an individual, whom witnesses claim is a minor.
In the video, Heidi Williams can be heard yelling, “They are punching people!”
According to Williams, the individual was simply striking and physically attacking others.
During a children’s birthday party, Williams’ kids were at a friend’s apartment when an unidentified man entered the pool area, claiming to be a law enforcement officer with a walkie-talkie and ordered them to leave. It was later discovered that the man in question was Rivas.
According to Williams, a man approached them with a walkie-talkie and a badge and asked if they were residents. Williams replied that they were guests, to which the man responded with an aggressive tone, “Well, you need to get up and leave.”
According to Williams, the off-duty officer targeted at least four individuals, injuring them in the process. Williams’ daughter suffered a swollen and bruised scalp, while her son had a busted lip and has been left feeling quite emotional. The incident has left the family feeling drained and exhausted.
Williams expressed, “My daughter, son, and I do not get any sleep.”
According to Williams, she intends to take legal action against the officer who allegedly assaulted her family.
According to the Galveston police department, Rivas is currently under administrative leave, and an internal investigation is currently ongoing. As per the reports, Rivas was working as an off-duty security guard during the incident. However, the leasing office has denied his employment status as an employee of the complex.