A Wilmer City Council member and the city’s acting police chief were arrested Monday following an investigation into an alleged confrontation at a convenience store that authorities say escalated into criminal conduct.
Council member Moses Garcia, 53, was arrested on a charge of making a terroristic threat, a Class B misdemeanor, after police said he physically threatened another person and made racially derogatory remarks during an incident at a Shell gas station on July 22.
Acting Police Chief Jesus Mancillas, 57, was also arrested Monday on a charge of interference with public duties, also a Class B misdemeanor, after investigators alleged that he improperly intervened in the investigation into Garcia’s conduct.
Both men were booked into the Dallas County Jail and later released on bond.
Council Member Accused of Threats, Racial Remarks
According to an arrest affidavit, a Wilmer police sergeant responded after receiving a written complaint about the July 22 incident and reviewed surveillance video from the gas station.
Investigators allege Garcia became involved in a heated confrontation with another man, made threatening gestures and used racial slurs during the encounter. Witnesses told police Garcia appeared intoxicated at the time.
The affidavit states Garcia also made statements claiming responsibility for removing the city’s police chief, mayor, and other municipal employees while asserting his influence within city government.
Police determined Garcia was the primary aggressor after reviewing surveillance footage, according to court documents.
Garcia was elected to the Wilmer City Council in May 2026 and was sworn into office in early June.
Acting Police Chief Accused of Interfering with Investigation
A separate arrest warrant alleges Mancillas interfered with the criminal investigation the day after the confrontation.
According to investigators, Mancillas approached officers who were collecting surveillance footage from the gas station, took custody of the video evidence, and directed investigators that he would personally handle the case.
Police also cited an email stating that Mancillas would manage the investigation and that any new evidence should be routed through him.
Investigators allege Mancillas was not acting as a commissioned Texas peace officer at the time. The affidavit states he was not wearing a police uniform, displaying a badge or carrying a department-issued firearm when he intervened.
Authorities concluded his actions prevented the Criminal Investigations Division from carrying out its assigned duties.
City Responds to Arrests
Interim City Administrator Frank Posada said the city became aware of both arrests Monday.
Regarding Garcia, Posada said the city would not comment further because the matter remains under investigation.
“Because this is an ongoing legal matter, it would be inappropriate for the City to speculate or comment further on the facts until the appropriate authorities have completed their work,” Posada said in a statement, per WFAA.
Addressing Mancillas’ arrest, Posada said he had appointed him as acting police chief last week to oversee department operations during an unrelated administrative matter involving the police captain.
“I had no knowledge that the Wilmer Police Department was contemplating or carrying out an arrest involving Mr. Mancillas,” Posada said. “He was assisting the City of Wilmer at my request, and I am disappointed by what has occurred.”
Posada said he has consulted with the city attorney and that Wilmer will continue cooperating with law enforcement.
Leadership Turmoil Continues
The arrests come during a period of significant turnover among Wilmer’s leadership.
Former Police Chief Victor Kemp resigned in early June, and City Administrator Steve Norwood was terminated during the same City Council meeting in which Garcia was sworn into office.
Former Mayor Sheila Petta resigned July 10. She told NBC 5 DFW that she stepped down because of health concerns and what she described as growing dysfunction within the five-member City Council after Garcia took office.
Dallas County Commissioner John Wiley Price, whose precinct includes Wilmer, expressed concern about the city’s recent leadership issues.
“The city is running amok right now,” Price said, per NBC 5. “Just seems like the city hit reverse, and it’s a sad day.”
Wilmer, a city of about 7,000 residents in southern Dallas County, has experienced economic growth in recent years with increased commercial development along the Interstate 45 corridor.
Investigation Remains Active
Authorities have not announced whether additional charges are expected.
A Wilmer City Council meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 30.
Provided by Dallas Express
