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Residents press council on alleged July 4 police actions; speakers say investigation and lawsuit pending
Summary
Several residents used public comment to describe a July 4 incident involving police, say an investigation and lawsuit are in process, and urged council attention; one speaker said he recorded arrests and feared retaliation, another described family members being struck during the event.
Multiple residents spoke during the Oct. 6 public comment period to describe an incident on July 4 that they said involved the Gonzales Police Department. Speakers said they have been contacted by a city investigator and that legal action is pending.
What residents said: Henry Martinez Jr. told the council he and his attorney and private investigator are pursuing a lawsuit and that the city investigator has made contact. He said the investigation's progress will bring the family some relief. Another speaker, Antonio 'Alvarez Leon, said he recorded the incident and described being afraid to intervene at the time because he feared retaliation by officers; he said the town's actions have caused emotional distress to event participants and the Martinez family. A third speaker, Henry Martinez III, described officers entering a private gathering with guns drawn, said an officer pointed a gun at his mother and that family members were struck while being put into a car.
Council response and status: The mayor read the city's public comment procedure and accepted speakers. No council member made a policy response or action during the meeting; later in the session the city attorney stated that a previously raised request regarding a citizen's arrest had been addressed in 2024 and that there was no pending action required of the police chief on that specific matter. Speakers said they have been contacted by a city investigator and are awaiting city decisions on next steps.
Ending: Public comment concluded with the speakers reiterating they are pursuing legal remedies. No council action was taken during the meeting on these public comments and council members said staff would follow established procedures for any internal review or legal process.
