Violent arrest of Fairfield teen sparks outcry; rally to be held before city council meeting

FAIRFIELD, Calif. (KGO) -- Outrage is growing in Fairfield after a video surfaced showing the violent arrest of a teenager at the local high school last week, prompting a planned rally ahead of a City Council meeting Tuesday evening.

The protest organizers say they are expecting hundreds of people to show up for a "Justice Rally" that is scheduled for 4 p.m. Tuesday, one hour before the Fairfield City Council meeting begins at 5 p.m.

Organizers also expect dozens of people to attend and speak during public comment.

RELATED: Fairfield officer reassigned amid excessive force claims, outrage grows as new video surfaces

Community advocate Rodney Alamo Brown said turnout could be significant.

He criticized the officer involved, adding, "Unfortunately, this rogue cop has been running very rapid around the community for such a long time without any checks and balances."

The video of the arrest shows the moments when teenager Maurice Williams was arrested at Fairfield High School, including when he was struck by an officer.

The police chief said the blows were "distraction strikes," used to make Williams put his hands behind his back so he could be handcuffed.

Those actions have drawn sharp criticism from community members, some of whom spoke out during a rally held last Friday.

"There is no explanation at all to hit a child like that, punch him in his face like that," said Evangelina Cherry-Jensen, identified as the mother of a child.

Ruthy Fisher, identified as Williams' grandmother, also voiced concern about what she saw in the footage.

"That bothered me to see my grandbaby lying there getting beat like a dog, hair pulled," she said.

According to the Fairfield police chief, the officer involved in Williams' arrest has been "administratively reassigned in the department as we navigate this emotional and challenging time."

RELATED: Backlash after video shows Fairfield officer strike student amid high school fight, 2 teens arrested

The same officer appears in a separate 2025 video that shows her pulling a then-18-year-old woman out of a car by her hair during an arrest.

Myah Hamilton, who said she was previously arrested by the officer, questioned why the officer remained on the force. "She should never have been able to continue to be a police officer," Hamilton said.

Brown said community members want decisive action from city leaders. "The only ramification that we're looking forward to is her being fired and dismissed from the Fairfield Police Department," he said.

Despite the growing outcry, the arrest of Williams and the police tactics used are not listed on the City Council meeting agenda.

The police chief said an outside organization will conduct an independent investigation into the incident.

Community members are expected to use the public comment period to demand accountability and raise concerns about policing practices in the city.