Fort Worth city, police leaders discuss alleged police brutality incident behind closed doors

Fort Worth officials convened in a closed-door session on Friday to address allegations of police brutality stemming from an incident that left a woman severely injured and hospitalized.

The incident occurred early Sunday morning on Foch St., where Fort Worth Police were investigating a hit-and-run. Carolyn Rodriguez, who was recording live on social media, approached officers and engaged them with questions, capturing the encounter in her video, which she later posted online. Police responded by releasing security camera footage and body-camera recordings on Wednesday.

In the footage, Rodriguez can be seen questioning officers and using profanity. When instructed by an officer to move across the street or face arrest, Rodriguez continues to engage, leading to the officer forcibly taking her down and restraining her.

Carolyn Rodriguez reported significant injuries earlier in the week, including a concussion, dislocated shoulder and elbow, along with contusions and stitches on her face and eye.

Fort Worth City Council Member Chris Nettles called for the special executive session to review the police videos alongside other council members and police leadership. Following the meeting, Nettles expressed ongoing concerns despite hearing from the chief and officers.

Specifically, Nettles raised issues about the arrest itself and the level of force used, suggesting that proper crime scene management could have prevented escalation. He emphasized that while Rodriguez should have complied with police instructions, the force used against her appeared excessive.

Nettles recommended serious consequences for the involved officer and advocated for additional training on handling situations where citizens exercise their First Amendment rights to record and question police activities.

Fort Worth Police have initiated investigations through their Major Case and Internal Affairs units to assess adherence to department policies and procedures. The Office of the Police Oversight Monitor is also involved to ensure transparency and accountability.

Rodriguez, after being discharged from the hospital, was booked into jail on charges including Interference with Public Duties, Resisting Arrest, Evading Arrest, and False Alarm or Report. She is currently out on bond.

The officer involved, who has served for seven years, has been reassigned pending the investigation’s outcome.