A recent incident at an apartment pool in Galveston has led to the indefinite suspension of a local police officer. According to FOX26 Houston, Officer Jared Rivas of the Galveston Police Department stands accused of assaulting multiple individuals, including teenagers, while off-duty. Despite serving as a courtesy officer at the Island Bay Resort apartments on June 25, Rivas was reportedly inadequately identified by his attire—clad in a plain T-shirt, shorts, and Crocs rather than the required uniform or training polo. His badge and police radio completed his outfit.
His presence at the pool led to confrontation as he allegedly demanded that a family, who were guests of a resident, leave the pool area. Rivas is said to have become aggressive, utilizing profanities and pushing a teenage son and daughter during the escalation. In a statement obtained by FOX26 Houston, it was confirmed that indefinite suspension within the department is effectively equivalent to a termination. The District Attorney and federal law enforcement are still investigating his alleged actions.
Meanwhile, those alleged to have been on the receiving end of Rivas' aggression at the poolside gathering are speaking out. In an interview with ABC13, Taylor Alexander, a 23-year-old man, recounted the incident, claiming that everything Rivas did was excessive and wrong. Alexander reported that he and his family were trying to leave when things appeared to calm down, only to be stopped by Rivas, who then forcefully handled his 15-year-old brother and got face-to-face with their mother. "He got up in my mom's face, and my mom has had two surgeries; she just had her neck fused a few months ago," Alexander told ABC13.
After the altercation, Alexander states that Rivas struck him multiple times. Lori Lozano, Taylor's mother, described the officer as a "bad apple" and a "loose cannon" who was very dangerous. Despite being placed in the back of a police car, Alexander was eventually released and attended by EMS. He has filed a complaint and is calling for charges against Rivas, echoing the sentiments of many who believe the officer should not remain on the force. The conflict over Rivas' role at the scene persists, as the police claim he was functioning as an off-duty courtesy officer, which is contradicted by the leasing office of the Island Bay Resort apartments stating that he was not an employee. The Galveston Police Department has indicated that Rivas has no prior disciplinary action listed in his file, as mentioned in his employee profile.
