EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) – El Paso Police Chief Peter Pacillas supports the officer who punched a woman during a chaotic arrest. “The officer’s punch was use of force, which I support,” Pacillas told the media on Friday, April 10, during a news conference addressing the viral video showing the incident.
Pacillas provided a statement about the arrest of Kelcee Hufford, 28, on Friday morning.
According to the police chief, the officer who punched Hufford was never placed on administrative leave because his action were justified.
As KTSM 9 News previously reported, a cellphone video that sparked community concern circulated on social media on April 3, showing an El Paso officer striking Hufford during a chaotic arrest.
Officers Tavera and Gallardo arrested Hufford at a home in the 600 block of East Rio Grande on April 1.
Affidavit for woman punched in head by EPPD officer omits use of force
Hufford had a warrant for assault causing bodily injury and family violence after a dispute between her roommate and the roommate’s boyfriend earlier that week, according to court documents.
What we know about the woman punched in the face by EPPD officer
The affidavit described a struggle between police and Hufford during the arrest, but did not mention the punch from Tavera that landed on the side of Hufford’s face, as seen in the video released on social media.
Hufford was reported to have resisted arrest despite the officers informing her of the warrant and repeated instructions to stop resisting.
At one point, Tavera deployed a stun gun, but it was ineffective.
El Paso police released Hufford’s booking photo on Monday, April 6, showing Hufford with a swollen and bruised right eye.
Kelcee Renee Hufford (EPPD)
Police said Hufford was subsequently released on a personal recognizance bond.
Hufford was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility on charges of resisting arrest and assault causing bodily injury – the alleged incident for the previous warrant.
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