Schertz releases footage of teen’s arrest
Schertz officials released new police camera footage this week that shows what happened before and after the arrest of a Black teen seen in a viral video that has prompted accusations of excessive force.
Officials said they had wanted to release the video of 18-year-old Zekee Rayford’s arrest earlier but were awaiting authorization from the Guadalupe County district attorney’s office. They said they received that permission Wednesday.
A Schertz police report states that Rayford ran a red light on Schertz Parkway about 11:45 p.m. Nov. 2 and did not pull over when signaled by Schertz police officers Frank Chavarria and Megan Fennesy.
Instead, Rayford drove to his homein the 1000 block of Keanna Place, where a security camera there provided the first video of his arrest. It has since been shared on social media and sparked criticism from family, civil rights activists and many others over how Schertz police handled the arrest.
In that video, Chavarria, Fennesy and officer Danielle Apgar are seen chasing Rayford to the front door of the home. The officers are seen kneeing Rayford and using a stun gun multiple times as he struggled and shouted for his father.
The new footage begins with the moment police start pursuing Rayford and ends after their encounter at the door of the home.
It shows Rayford’s angry parents as police prepare to examine the teen, as well as an exchange between Rayford and arresting officers.
Family members are heard repeatedly insisting to officers that Rayford had his hands up and that the officers didn’t have to use a stun gun.
One family member could be seen holding Rayford’s father back as he approached the officers in anger.
Schertz officer Jason Hanley explained that the officers used a stun gun on Rayford because he was “fleeing on foot” and that Rayford had committed a felony by fleeing from police.
More words are exchanged as Chavarria and Fennesy prepare to have Rayford examined by EMTS. During the conversation, the teen tells the officers they did not have to knee him and use a stun gun, calling their actions “unnecessary.”
Chavarria replied that Rayford should have stopped.
“Well, then why did she tackle me?” he asked, looking at Fennesy. “I was circled and already. ...”
Fennesy interrupts: “If there’s a problem, there can be a problem, you understand that.”
“Is that a threat? You’re going to pull out your gun and shoot me or something?” Rayford asks her before continuing: “I don’t want to talk. ... You’re a bad person and I’m uncomfortable around you.”
Rayford was charged with evading arrest with a vehicle, evading arrest by foot, resisting arrest and possession of less than 2 ounces of marijuana.
Schertz Mayor Ralph Gutierrez said in a statement Wednesday that he fully understands “the concerns and public outcry brought about from this incident.
“The city of Schertz is an inclusive community and one that celebrates all of our residents,” he said. “Throughout every situation, the city is deeply committed to doing what’s
right, and at this time, the right thing to do is be as transparent as we can, which is why we are releasing this footage.”
The three officers have been temporarily reassigned as the investigation into Rayford’s arrest continues, Schertz officials said.
Attorney Daryl Washing
ton, who is representing the Rayford family, has said the officers didn’t attempt to de-escalate the situation and called their actions “unjustifiable.”
Chavarria’s attorney, Robert M. Mccabe, defended the officer’s actions and called for a “full, fair and just” investigation.
“Zekee Rayford unlawfully fled from officers both in his vehicle and on foot and refused to comply with their lawful and reasonable demands to yield to their authority once he was apprehended,” Mccabe said Thursday.
“The false narrative that he was too afraid of the police to stop his vehicle is absurd,” Mccabe said. “And his current attempts at strong-arming the city to discipline the arresting officers, write a check and dismiss his myriad of criminal cases is revolting.”
Mccabe said that at the time of the incident, Rayford was free on bail on charges of delivery of marijuana, evading arrest and engaging in organized criminal activity stemming fromanapril 7 arrest by the Guadalupe County Sheriff ’s Office. Those charges are pending, according to court records.
“Being arrested again would have jeopardized his freedom in that a judge would likely have revoked his bond for being arrested while on bond, especially for a similar offense,” Mccabe said.
In a separate incident, Schertz police charged Rayford with possession of marijuana Dec. 14, 2019.