An unsettled North Texas city, already contending with upheaval at City Hall, finds itself embroiled in fresh controversy after a member of its city council was arrested on allegations that he used a racial slur and menaced a Black man during a clash at a Shell gas station.
Authorities in Wilmer, a Dallas suburb, also detained the town’s acting police chief, accusing him of obstructing the probe by seizing surveillance footage linked to the case.
According to local station KDFW and arrest warrant affidavits obtained by The Dallas Morning News, Wilmer City Councilmember Moses Garcia, 53, was arrested Monday on a charge of making a terroristic threat in connection with a July 22 incident at a Shell gas station.
(Photo: Fox 4/YouTube screenshot)
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The Confrontation
Acting Police Chief Jesus Mancillas, 57, was also placed under arrest and charged with interference with public duties after investigators alleged he tried to take over the case and removed evidence from responding officers.
Surveillance video obtained by KDFW captured the clash between Garcia and Rickey Jackson, a Black man who told the station he has known the councilmember for years.
Police say the footage shows Garcia directing racially charged remarks at Jackson and issuing threats. Investigators also allege Garcia boasted about his sway over city government, claiming he helped oust Wilmer’s mayor, police chief, and other city employees from their posts.
“He said he’s got a bunch more he’s going to fire,” Jackson recalled to the outlet.
Jackson said he was taken by surprise by the encounter and could not comprehend why Garcia would confront him.
“Whatever’s going on down there, I don’t know about it. I don’t know why you’re messing with me,” Jackson said. “I wasn’t bothering him.”
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What the Footage Reveals
According to Garcia’s arrest affidavit, surveillance footage shows him pulling up to the gas station in a Tesla before engaging with Jackson and a store employee. Police say Garcia allegedly directed a vulgar insult at Jackson and then spoke about his clout within city government.
Investigators allege Garcia claimed responsibility for “removing the city’s police chief, mayor, and other city personnel” before gesturing toward Jackson, delivering further obscene remarks and employing what officers described as a racial slur. A second man who exited Garcia’s vehicle ultimately restrained him.
Law enforcement said video evidence and witness statements indicated Jackson never threatened Garcia or acted aggressively during the exchange. Investigators concluded that Garcia’s conduct placed Jackson in fear of imminent bodily harm, which underpins the terroristic-threat charge.
Garcia’s attorney disputed the charges, saying his client did not threaten Jackson. The attorney declined to comment on Garcia’s statements that he had influenced staffing changes within Wilmer’s government.
The Involvement of the Acting Police Chief
Subsequently, investigators broadened the probe to include Mancillas, who had only recently been named acting police chief.
Mancillas turned up at the Shell station the day after the confrontation as detectives were pursuing the surveillance footage. Investigators allege he took control of the video from an officer and declared that he would “handle and supervise” the Garcia portion of the investigation.
Authorities contend Mancillas was serving in a civilian administrative role at the time and was not acting as a Texas peace officer. Detectives accuse him of meddling with the inquiry and hindering the lead investigator from performing assigned duties.
The affidavit further notes Mancillas returned to the gas station while in plain clothes and without a badge or department-issued firearm after officers encountered technical difficulties obtaining another copy of the footage.
Mancillas had been brought to Wilmer by interim City Administrator Frank Posada to provide oversight while the police department addressed separate administrative matters. He also holds the post of city marshal for nearby Ferris.
Reaction from Other City Officials
In the wake of the arrest, Posada said he was unaware that Wilmer police planned to arrest Mancillas.
“I had no knowledge that the Wilmer Police Department was considering or carrying out an arrest involving Mr. Mancillas,” Posada said in a statement. “He was assisting the City of Wilmer at my request, and I am disappointed by what has occurred.”
Posada did not address Mancillas’ employment status or weigh in on Garcia’s criminal case.
The Texas Commission on Law Enforcement stated that Mancillas has been placed on administrative hold. If he leaves his current post before the case is resolved, he would be ineligible to work for another law-enforcement agency. The city of Ferris declined to comment.
The arrests arrive amid ongoing instability within Wilmer’s government.
Since Garcia was sworn in during a June 5 special council meeting, several senior city officials have departed from their roles. City Administrator Steve Norwood was terminated the same night Garcia joined the council. Mayor Sheila Petta resigned on July 10 without offering a public explanation.
Speaking to KDFW, Petta alleged that Garcia wields disproportionate influence over the council.
“He’s there for himself and himself alone,” Petta said. “The others don’t amount to much. They’re merely his yes-men.”
Petta said she plans to run in the city’s upcoming special mayoral election.
