New DA charges 2 police officers in old abuse case

A Travis County grand jury has indicted two Austin police officers on felony assault charges in connection with the investigation of a violent arrest nearly two years ago that had been cleared by the department with no findings of wrongdoing against the officers.

The indictments of officers Chance Bretches and Gregory Gentry on aggravated assault by a public servant highlight a disparity in how Police Chief Brian Manley, his administration and others viewed the case and how new Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza and grand jurors evaluated it.

The charges mark the most aggressive action Garza has taken in his three weeks on the job after running on a platform of criminal justice reform and police accountability. It is the first time since 2018 that an Austin officer was indicted in an alleged excessive force case.