A Royse City police officer has been terminated following an internal investigation into a use-of-force incident at a neighborhood swimming pool that sparked public outrage after video footage spread widely online.
The confrontation took place on August 3 at the Creekside community pool. Officers were dispatched to the scene in response to a reported disturbance involving residents.
Video recorded at the scene showed an officer grabbing 35-year-old Janiaca Wheeler by her hair and forcing her to the ground. Her 18-year-old daughter Amiayah Wheeler was also seen being handcuffed and restrained during the encounter.
The footage circulated rapidly on social media and prompted the Royse City Police Department to launch an internal affairs investigation the very next day. The department concluded that the unnamed officer had violated departmental standards policies and procedures and announced his termination Monday.
The identities of the three other officers reviewed as part of the complaint were not released. The department determined their conduct during the incident was within policy and no disciplinary action was taken against them.
Civil rights attorney Blerim Elmazi stated that the Wheeler family owns a home in the Creekside neighborhood and had every legal right to use the community pool. According to the family the incident began after neighbors questioned whether they belonged in the area and were permitted to use the pool.
Both Janiaca and Amiayah Wheeler were arrested following the police response. The department announced Monday that prosecutors will not pursue charges against Amiayah. Janiaca however still faces charges of interference with public duties and resisting arrest.
In a statement the department defended the overall police response while acknowledging the fired officer’s misconduct. Officials said the department will not tolerate misconduct from any member of its force but also made clear that those who interfere with or assault officers will face legal consequences.
Investigators are continuing to work to identify a separate individual accused of striking an officer in the face during the pool incident. Once identified that person will face charges of assault on a peace officer and interference with public duties.
The internal investigation has officially been closed. The criminal investigation however remains active as authorities work to identify the suspect accused of assaulting the officer.
The case has drawn significant attention across the DFW region and renewed broader conversations about policing conduct and racial bias in residential communities. The Wheeler family and their attorney have called for full transparency including the public release of all video footage captured during the August 3 encounter.
