‘Moreno broke the law’: Rock Hill officer fired, charged after making controversial arrest
A Rock Hill police officer involved in a controversial arrest of two brothers on June 23 has been fired and was charged Thursday with assault, officials said.
The arrests of Ricky and Travis Price, both of whom are Black, was caught on video, shared on Facebook and led to three days of race-related protests in Rock Hill. Protesters called into question the use of police force.
Officer Jonathan Moreno was terminated Wednesday, said Chief Chris Watts of the Rock Hill Police Department. Watts made the announcement at a Thursday afternoon news conference.
Moreno escalated the problem instead of de-escalating the incident when he took Travis Price to the ground, Watts said.
Sixteenth Circuit Solicitor Kevin Brackett said at the same news conference that evidence, including video, shows Moreno assaulted Travis Price.
“Officer Moreno broke the law,” Brackett said.
Rock Hill City Solicitor Chisa Putman, also at the news conference, said the hindering police charge against Travis Price has been dismissed.
Police videos of the incident also were released Thursday.
Moreno apologizes to Travis Price
Moreno gave a statement at the news conference. He said he was sorry for what he did and apologized to Travis Price who attended the news conference.
“I am here to own it and make it right,” Moreno said.
Moreno said at the news conference he made mistakes and directed his words at Travis Price who attended the conference with his lawyer.
“I know now you were allowed to be in the area,” Moreno said to Travis Price. “I apologize for the misunderstanding. My mistakes and meeting you in such a negative way, I just wish my emotions did not get the best of me. My choice of words do not define my character. I sincerely apologize for what you have experienced.”
In the police video released Thursday, Moreno can be heard challenging Travis Price to “fight” while on the ground with Travis price during the arrest. Moreno also says to Travis Price, “It’s just me and you,” and “quit crying.”
Moreno went on to say in the news conference statement that what happened June 23 was “out of my character.”
“As a man, a father, and a former police officer, being held accountable is the only rule, and I am no exception. I am here to be held accountable for my actions. I hope the community will accept my apology. I hope my brothers and sisters in law enforcement will accept my apology. Travis Price, I hope you accept my apology. I’m sorry. I am here not only to apologize, but understand I did make a mistake.”
A 10-year Rock Hill police veteran, Moreno was then led to the nearby York County jail in the same building where he was booked on charges of third-degree assault and battery.
The charge against Moreno is a misdemeanor, Brackett said. It carries a maximum punishment of 30 days in jail for a conviction.
After the news conference, Travis Price said in an impromptu news conference outside the Moss Justice Center he forgave Moreno “as a man,” but the incident never should have happened and his dignity has been hurt by the arrest where he did nothing wrong.
The incident and arrest
On private video and store surveillance video released after the June 23 arrests of Ricky Price and Travis Price, Travis Price is taken to the ground by Moreno.
Travis Price was not involved in the traffic stop where Ricky Price was taken in custody on suspicion of drugs and weapons violations. Travis Price arrived later and was trying to get jewelry from his brother. A statement made by police officials after the incident gave similar details.
Police said Travis Price pushed Moreno and later charged Price with hindering police, but the videos show no push from Price.
Moreno’s name was released by police July 2 after another officer testified in court about the incident and named Moreno and the other Rock Hill officers involved in the incident with both Price brothers.
What happens now?
Moreno, 34, was booked into the York County Detention Center and will appear before a magistrate Thursday night where bail will be set and he can be released pending trial.
No trial date for Moreno has been set.
Brackett, the prosecutor said he does not know if a conviction against Moreno will preclude Moreno from ever serving again as police officer.
The charges against Ricky Price, Travis Price’s brother, remain pending. Brackett said Thursday at the news conference the videos show Ricky Price clearly punched a police officer in the face. Ricky Price started the conflict that turned into a violent struggle, Brackett said.
Ricky Price is charged with drug and weapons charges, resisting arrest, and traffic violations and is in the York County jail without bond. No trial date has been set.
Check back for updates on this developing story.
This story was originally published July 8, 2021 at 4:41 PM.
