Investigation into Pool Party Brawl Involving Galveston Police Officer Jared Rivas Continues
The Galveston County district attorney’s office is in the early stages of investigating the pool party brawl that took place at the Island Bay Resort apartment last week. The incident involved suspended Officer Jared Rivas from the Galveston Police Department. While it is too soon to determine if charges will be brought against Rivas, one of the individuals caught on video during the altercation, Taylor Alexander, is calling for legal action to be taken against the officer. Alexander, who claims to have been hit by Rivas, believes that excessive force was used.
According to Alexander, he, his teenage brother, and his mother were not directly involved in the pool deck brawl but were nearby when the incident occurred. When things started to calm down, they attempted to walk away but were stopped by Rivas, who ordered them to halt. Alexander’s younger brother complied with Rivas’ command but was allegedly grabbed by the back of his neck and thrown to the ground. A newly obtained video supports Alexander’s account, showing Rivas pinning down the teenager before confronting their mother.
Concerned for his mother’s safety, Alexander intervened and positioned himself between Rivas and his mother. Rivas can be seen in the video flashing his badge and using expletives before it cuts off. Alexander claims that after the video ended, Rivas attempted to detain him, and in the process, struck him three times – once in the face and twice in the back of the head. Alexander’s mother, Lori Lozano, described Rivas as a “loose cannon” and believes his behavior was unwarranted.
Following the incident, Alexander was placed in the back of a police car while Rivas sat in the front seat, seemingly unaware of Alexander’s presence behind him. Eventually, Rivas left the vehicle without acknowledging Alexander. After being released, Alexander was examined by EMS. He has since filed a complaint against Rivas and is advocating for charges to be filed against the officer, as well as his removal from the police force.
The Galveston Police Department claims that Rivas was working as an off-duty courtesy officer during the pool party. However, the leasing office of the apartment complex involved maintains that Rivas was not employed by them. This discrepancy has led to division between the police and the apartment complex regarding Rivas’ presence at the pool. It is worth noting that Rivas does not have any prior disciplinary action listed in his employee file.
As the investigation unfolds, it is crucial for a thorough examination of the evidence to take place. The allegations made by Taylor Alexander, supported by video footage, indicate a potential misuse of power and excessive force by Officer Jared Rivas. The Galveston County district attorney’s office will need to carefully evaluate all available information before deciding whether charges should be brought against Rivas. This case highlights the importance of accountability and transparency within law enforcement agencies to maintain public trust and ensure the fair treatment of individuals.
