Fired police chief sues city of Miami, commissioners
The embattled former police chief of Miami is suing his former employer and city commissioners, saying his public firing three months ago was in retaliation for him speaking out against corruption.
Ex-Houston, Austin police Chief Art Acevedo to be fired as Miami top cop after 6 months
Miami officials have decided to fire the cityโs new police chief six months into his stormy tenure, after he was lambasted by city commissioners who he accused of meddling in the police department and internal affairs investigations.
Point of Order: Outgoing Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo talks moving to Miami, George Floyd and "defunding the police"
(Audio unavailable. Click here to listen on texastribune.org.) Evan Smith, CEO of The Texas Tribune CEO. Point of Order: Outgoing Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo talks moving to Miami, George Floyd and "defunding the police"If you need help with the Public File, call 210-351-1241.
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo to leave Texas for Miami
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo speaks out against bathroom bills at a press conference on the steps of the state capitol on July 25, 2017. Credit: Austin Price/The Texas TribuneHouston Police Chief Art Acevedo is leaving his helm to lead the Miami Police Department after holding the position for five years, he announced in a press conference. AdAcevedo will be the third major police chief in Texas to depart after a year marked by protests against police violence. Last month, Austin Police Chief Brian Manley said he is retiring after 30 years with the department. Miami Mayor Francis Suarez told the Miami Herald โthis is like getting the Tom Brady or the Michael Jordan of police chiefs.โAcevedo will lead a force of nearly 1,400 officers in Miami compared to Houstonโs force of over 5,200 officers. He will replace former Miami police chief Jorge Colina, who retired in February.
Houston police Chief Art Acevedo lands top Miami job; mayor calls him the Tom Brady of police chiefs
โWe went out and got what I feel is America's best chief," said Miami Mayor Francis Suarez standing alongside Acevedo at a news conference Monday after describing him to The Miami Herald as the Tom Brady or Michael Jordan of police chiefs. He is replacing Chief Jorge Colina, who retired in February, becoming Miamiโs fifth chief the past decade. And Acevedo announced a few weeks after the raid that the police department would no longer use no-knock warrants. AdOn Monday, Acevedo acknowledged the problem with bad policing and said he thought he brings a new perspective to the Miami Police Department. "Do not confuse kindness for weakness," Acevedo said regarding his gestures over the past year to advocate for police reform.
Texas schools, stores divided on masks as Gov. Abbott ends mandate
Greg Abbott says Texas is lifting a mask mandate and lifting business capacity limits next week. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)DALLAS โ The end of Texasโ mask mandate is giving Lucy Alanis second thoughts about one of her occasional indulgences during the coronavirus pandemic: dining in at restaurants. Businesses in Texas shed rules, city leaders plotted new safeguards and the state's 5 million schoolchildren largely remained under orders to keep wearing masks, at least for now. The mask mandate, which has been in place since July, and occupancy limits on restaurants and retail stores end March 10. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said his officers will continue wearing masks.
Houston officer resigns after link to US Capitol riot
All rights reserved)FILE - In this Jan. 6, 2021, file photo, supporters of President Donald Trump stand outside the U.S. Capitol in Washington. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana, File)HOUSTON โ A Houston police officer suspected of taking part in the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol has resigned, the police chief said Thursday. But in a tweet, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said the officer resigned Thursday morning. But in an interview with the Houston Chronicle, Tam Pham confirmed he was the officer, telling the newspaper: โI shouldnโt have done it. The officer attended a Jan. 6 rally in Washington, D.C., in support of President Donald Trump.
Houston officer under investigation for possible role in US Capitol riot
HOUSTON โ A Houston police officer suspected of taking part in the mob attack on the U.S. Capitol is under investigation, the police chief said Wednesday. The officer has been placed on administrative leave and will face a disciplinary review hearing on Friday, said Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo. But investigators determined the officer later joined the mob that breached the Capitol building. I canโt tell you the anger I feel at the thought of a police officer and other police officers thinking they get to storm the Capitol,โ Acevedo said. The police chief did not provide additional details about allegations against the Houston officer, citing an ongoing police and FBI investigation.
Capitol Police rejected offers of federal help to quell mob
Capitol police officers stand outside of fencing that was installed around the exterior of the Capitol grounds, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021 in Washington. A woman was fatally shot, windows were bashed and the mob forced shaken lawmakers and aides to flee the building, shielded by Capitol Police. And as the mob descended on the building Wednesday, Justice Department leaders reached out to offer up FBI agents. The rioting and loss of control has raised serious questions over security at the Capitol for future events. Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said that as the rioting was underway, it became clear that the Capitol Police were overrun.
Capitol Police rejected offers of federal help to quell mob
Capitol police officers stand outside of fencing that was installed around the exterior of the Capitol grounds, Thursday, Jan. 7, 2021 in Washington. A woman was fatally shot, windows were bashed and the mob forced shaken lawmakers and aides to flee the building, shielded by Capitol Police. And as the mob descended on the building Wednesday, Justice Department leaders reached out to offer up FBI agents. The rioting and loss of control has raised serious questions over security at the Capitol for future events. Army Secretary Ryan McCarthy said that as the rioting was underway, it became clear that the Capitol Police were overrun.
Houston authorities, DPS target rise in road rage amid pandemic
HOUSTON โ Houston-area authorities announced Tuesday a new task force to combat a more than 30% rise in road rage incidents this year, an increase that officials are blaming in part on the ongoing stress during the coronavirus pandemic. The rise in road rage incidents coincides with an overall increase in violent crime in Houston during the pandemic, including a homicide rate that could be the city's highest in nearly 30 years. Six of these road rage incidents this year have resulted in murder. The most recent road rage incident in the Houston area occurred on Friday. In any road rage cases where a gun is used, authorities will also work to seize vehicles from those arrested, said Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg.
Arrest made in Houston police sergeantโs slaying; 1 sought
HOUSTON โ A suspect was arrested Tuesday and another man is sought as a person of interest in the shooting death of a Houston police sergeant, officials said. Sean Rios, 47, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said. Sean Rios is seen in this duty photo provided by the Houston Police Department on Nov. 9, 2020. Another Hispanic man with a bearded chin, a mustache and a black pickup truck, was shown in surveillance video with Soliz and is sought for questioning in the Monday slaying, Acevedo said. (KSAT)Before showing the surveillance video of Soliz and the other man to reporters, Acevedo said, โThe (surveillance) video we're going to show this community is clear.
'We are going to catch youโ: Houston police sergeant killed in shooting; suspects sought, chief says
HOUSTON โ A 25-year veteran of the Houston Police Department was killed in a shooting in north Houston while on his way to work, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said. Around 1:30 p.m. Monday, Houston police received a call for shots fired in the 7900 block of North Freeway and Stuebner Airline Road. The chief said the police department is following leads to find the suspect or suspects. Acevedo had the following message for the suspect or suspects involved:โWe are going to catch you,โ he said. Rios leaves behind four children, his parents, his brother and two cousins who work for the Houston Police Department.
Man faces state, federal charges in death of Houston officer
HOUSTON โ A man accused of fatally shooting a Houston police officer during a domestic disturbance call is facing both state and federal charges and could face the death penalty, authorities announced on Wednesday. In state court, Elmer Manzano is facing a capital murder charge for the death of 65-year-old Sgt. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said Manzano, who is from El Salvador, was in the country illegally. Thereโs only one person responsible for the death of a police officer ... and that person ... is Manzano, solely Manzano,โ Acevedo noted. Acevedo said Manzano prevented his wife from leaving him by threatening to reveal to authorities that she was in the U.S. illegally.
1 Houston police officer killed, another wounded; suspect shot and in custody
HOUSTON โ A Houston police officer was killed and a teenager and another officer were wounded Tuesday morning when a man opened fire on law enforcement responding to a domestic disturbance call, authorities said. Harold Preston was shot multiple times, including in the head, and died at a hospital, Acevedo said. Officer Courtney Waller was shot in the arm and is in stable condition at a hospital, he said. Acevedo said he expects Manzano to be charged with murder and that police have repeatedly responded to domestic calls at the home. Acevedo said Manzano has an extensive criminal history but declined to provide details.
As major Texas departments press forward with releasing police shooting footage, SAPD remains in neutral
WARNING: The links below include footage of fatal shootings that some viewers may find disturbingWhat other departments are doingIn the Metroplex, major police departments release footage within days of officers shooting a suspect. Many large police departments in Texas now release footage after officers shoot someone. (KSAT)The Austin Police Department instituted a footage release policy at the start of June. Mayor Ron Nirenberg has publicly called for SAPD to create a video release policy for police shootings. Reamey said departments should have at the very least a working framework on how and when to release officer shooting footage.
It was an execution: Nicolas Chavez was on his knees when Houston police killed him. His father wants answers.
Joaqun Chavez poses for a portrait at the memorial near the scene where his son, Nicolas Chavez, was killed by Houston police. He said he hopes the Texas Legislature will establish clear guidelines for how and when departments release video. Union joins calls for transparencyActivists in Houston have an unlikely ally in their fight to get the city to release bodycam footage, at least in the Nicolas Chavez case. The Houston Police Officers Union is calling for video of the incident to be released, but for different reasons than those of Nicolas family. On Friday, activists plan to march through downtown Houston, calling for police reforms in the wake of Nicolas killing.
Houston mayor calls for more funding for social services to take pressure off police officers
Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner speaks during the funeral for George Floyd at the Fountain of Praise church in Houston on Tuesday, June 9, 2020. Godofredo A. Vasquez/Pool via REUTERSHouston Mayor Sylvester Turner on Friday called for more funding to support social services in an effort to take pressure off of police officers who have to respond to issues that he said shouldnt necessarily fall to law enforcement. We ask our police officers to do way too much, Turner said at a policing roundtable event featuring U.S. Sens. Turner said funding for social services could come from grants. He acknowledged that police are first responders for many social issues because thats where a large portion of city resources are directed.
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo tells U.S. House committee defunding police is "not the answer"
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo responds to demonstrators about police accountability at a rally for George Floyd at Houston City Hall. A video of the officer kneeling on Floyd sparked outrage and protests across the nation, including in Houston and other major Texas cities. Acevedo has resisted those calls, however, saying it's a "false choice" to pit funding for police against other methods of investing in communities. "We must acknowledge that law enforcement's past contains institutional racism, injustices, and brutality," Acevedo said, speaking remotely from Houston. "We must acknowledge that policing has had a disparate treatment and impact on disenfranchised communities especially communities of color and poor communities.
George Floyds body returns to Houston for final services
HOUSTON Houston's police chief says the body of George Floyd has arrived in Texas for a final memorial service and funeral. Police Chief Art Acevedo tweeted early Sunday that Floyd's family had also arrived safely. A six-hour viewing for Floyd is planned for Monday in Houston, followed by funeral services and burial Tuesday in the suburb of Pearland. Previous memorials were held for Floyd in Minneapolis and Raeford, North Carolina, near where he was born. The officer who pinned his neck down is charged with murder and other counts, and the other three are charged with aiding and abetting.
Texas police have used tear gas and rubber bullets on protesters, tactics experts say incite more violence.
Police fire tear gas and rubber bullets at several demonstrators in Austin on May 31, 2020. In Austin, police officers repeatedly fired less-lethal ammunition, like bean bag rounds, and tear gas canisters into crowds of protesters. Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo Friday instructed officers not to use tear gas or rubber bullets to disperse growing crowds in Floyds hometown. They know forceful crowd-control methods, like rubber bullets or tear gas, mean bystanders could get hurt. A study detailed in Kaiser Health News showed that 3% of people hit by less-lethal rubber bullets were killed.
George Floyd funeral services scheduled June 9 in Houston
The funeral for George Floyd, who died while being arrested in Minneapolis last week, will be held June 9 in Houston, a family attorney said. A memorial service will be held in Minneapolis this Thursday from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., according to Ben Crump. Floydโs brother pleads for peace, President Trump takes combative toneThe funeral in Houston, where Floyd grew up, will be at 11 a.m. CT, Crump said at a news conference Monday. โWe want to make sure that the family is safe, that the movement is safe,โ Acevedo said. โWe want to make sure that the family knows that weโre here for them and we support them at this time.โ
Most Hopeful and Uplifting Moments From Protests Following George Floyd's Death
Outraged by the senseless death, people of all races protested police brutality across the country in support of the Black Lives Matter movement. Though it was a weekend of unrest, there were lots of uplifting and hopeful moments, with protestors and the police alike coming together to close the divide all across the country. In Queens, New York, police officers took a knee next to protestors, showing their solidarity with the movement. In Brooklyn, New York, protestors attempted to keep events on Sunday evening non-violent by standing outside of a Target to prevent others from looting and vandalizing the store. In Louisville, Kentucky, a chain of white women formed a barrier between black protestors and the police.
While tensions between police and protesters boiled over in some cities, other officers joined the movement
(CNN) -- Protests have swept the United States the last six days in the wake of George Floyd's death at the hands of police in Minnesota. Former officer Derek Chauvin held his knee to Floyd's neck as he lay face down screaming "Mama" "please" and "I can't breathe." Chauvin was arrested for his part in Floyd's death and charged with second degree manslaughter and third degree murder on Friday. Acevedo has been embracing protesters and expressed his hope that the outrage over Floyd's death would spark change. Across the country, an entire line of officers was seen taking the knee as they faced protesters in Spokane County, Washington.
A weekend of protest and mourning: George Floyd's death spurs demonstrations in Texas cities
Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo responded to demonstrators Friday at a rally for George Floyd at Houston City Hall. Pu Ying Huang for The Texas TribuneProtesters gathered at a rally for George Floyd in Houston. Pu Ying Huang for The Texas TribuneAlea Rolison wears a mask that reads, "I can't breathe, at a rally for George Floyd in Houston, Texas. Pu Ying Huang for The Texas TribuneProtestors march at a rally for George Floyd in Houston. Pu Ying Huang for The Texas TribuneFirst: Alea Rolison wore a mask that read, "I can't breathe, at a Houston rally.
2 killed in building explosion that shook Houston, police chief says
HOUSTON โ At least two people are confirmed dead following an explosion that shook Houston Friday morning. The explosion occurred around 4:20 a.m. Friday at Watson Valve Services in the 4500 block of South Gessner Road near the Westpark Tollway, Houston officials said. Authorities donโt believe the explosion was intentional though a criminal investigation is underway, Houston Police Chief Art Acevedo said. A chemical called polypropylene is burning due to the explosion, officials said, but it is not a hazard to air quality. Acevedo said after the explosion, officers went house to house to check on residents.