Several residents used the public-comment period to raise concerns about police conduct and to report on community fundraising successes.
Lede: At the Aug. 18 public comment period, witnesses raised allegations of excessive force, denied charges and privacy concerns tied to police actions; others reported successful community fundraisers and nonprofit support for youth programs.
Nut graf: Resident Henry Martinez Jr. made repeated statements alleging false arrest, use of force while handcuffed, and privacy violations tied to police drone use; he said he has filed complaints with the city and planned to seek damages. Other speakers, including Larry Rodriguez of the Spartan 300 Club and Steven Romero of Shieldbearers, reported successful fireworks sales fundraisers that expanded scholarship and meal programs for local students.
Body: Martinez described interactions with officers he identified by name and said the district attorney declined to file charges connected to his arrest; he stated he had filed formal complaints and planned to pursue claims for bail money. Martinez also alleged an officer struck him with a flashlight on July 4 and said he provided witnesses and paperwork to the city.
During the same public comment period, Larry Rodriguez, president of the Spartan 300 Club, reported fireworks sales exceeded prior years and increased scholarship funding. Steven Romero, president of Shieldbearers (Gonzales High football), said the nonprofit returned about $0.99 on the dollar raised to support team meals and programs.
Council and staff responses: Mayor Jose Rios and other council members acknowledged the comments. Staff noted written comments had been received earlier in the day on a mural matter. The council did not take action on the allegations during the meeting; Martinez said he would await the city manager and city attorney response before pursuing other legal avenues.
Ending: The council closed public comment and continued with the consent agenda and other items. Citizen allegations of police misconduct were recorded in the meeting minutes and will be subject to the city’s complaint processes outside the meeting.