VIPD Officer and U.S. Marshall Richard Velazquez.
A VIPD officer who was also involved in a special federal program as a deputized task force officer, is facing legal troubles following allegations of refusing to vacate a gentlemen's club in West Palm Beach, Florida. Mr. Valazquez has since been relieved of his duties as a federal task force officer, according to the U.S. Marshal Service.
According to court documents, in the wee hours of December 5, police in West Palm Beach were called to an establishment named Rachels in reference to an unwelcome guest. Upon arrival, they found Richard Velazquez outside the club. He was reportedly arguing with security and refusing to leave the property. Officers noted his slurred speech, red glassy eyes, and the odor of alcohol emanating from his breath.
The manager of Rachels told police that Mr. Velazquez was asked to leave after being observed stumbling around the club, court documents say. He reportedly refused and became confrontational, flashing his badge to the security staff.
Even after police arrived, Mr. Velazquez continued his aggressive behavior. He is said to have approached one of the officers while moving his hands towards his waistband. Fearing the black clip he saw could be a concealed weapon, the arresting officer shoved Mr. Velazquez away, while his colleague tackled Valezquez to the ground. He is said to have continued resisting attempts to place him in handcuffs, until officers resorted to deploying their taser.
Mr. Velazquez was eventually able to be detained, and subsequently charged with disorderly intoxication, trespass, and resisting an officer without violence.
Court documents indicate that Mr. Velazquez has pleaded not guilty to the charges and has requested a jury trial in this matter.
Update: Thursday, Dec. 14, 2023 at 4:07 a.m.
The Consortium was contacted by the U.S. Marshal Service to clarify that, although Mr. Velazquez was involved in a special federal program as a deputized task force officer, he is not a U.S. Marshal. In the aftermath of the incident, Mr. Velazquez was removed from his role as a federal task force officer.
