Man pushes Texas park ranger into lake after he warned group smoking, drinking illegally about social distancing
AUSTIN, TEXAS: A park ranger was allegedly pushed into a lake by a man as he warned a group of people about social distancing. The ranger was reportedly telling people about social distancing as they smoked and drank illegally on the docks of Commons Ford Metropolitan Park at Lake Austin when the incident happened.
Brandon Hicks has been arrested for pushing the unnamed ranger into the Lake Austin on April 30 at Commons Ford Park located at 614 N. Commons Ford Road at around five in the evening. According to court documents, when the park ranger approached the group and asked them to stand six feet apart, the 25-year-old Hicks ran up to him and pushed him into the water.
The reported incident was captured on a cellphone camera by a witness, which was later shared on social media. In the clip, Hicks can be heard telling the park ranger “I got you” before coming towards him and pushing him into the lake. However, the ranger managed to get out of the water before heading off after Hicks, who was later arrested. The park was closed due to overcrowding following the reported confrontation.
Hicks faces a charge of attempted assault on a public servant and damaging the ranger’s emergency radio. He was sent to custody on Friday, May 1, with his bail set at $7,500. “Brandon’s intentional and reckless action could have caused the Ranger to strike his head on the dock as he was falling, and render himself unconscious in at least 3 feet of water where he could have drowned to death,” the affidavit stated.
Officer Justin Berry, who arrested Hicks, said he was proud to see how witnesses helped identify the assailant and condemned his actions. “The patrons of the park actually came to the aid of the park ranger. Several people came up to the ranger and apologized for the guy’s behavior. That’s the Austin we know, and that’s the Austin we love,” Berry said. He added, “We just want to remind people to please be respectful and mindful that they’re working to make our parks a welcoming environment to everyone. ... Everyone’s been going to the parks, so the parks have been completely overcrowded.”
Kimberly McNeeley, Austin Parks and Recreation Department director said that they are proud of their rangers’ work. “Our rangers continue to engage residents on the proper use of park facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic. We ask that the public treat rangers with the same respect they wish to be shown to themselves. Public support is essential for Austin to meet the challenges of this pandemic,” McNeeley stated.
While the City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department said in a statement that they condemn the incident. “The Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) is saddened by the action taken against our Park Ranger. City of Austin Parks Rangers are essential workers who've been on the front-line of the City's response to Covid-19.
“They continue to work long hours educating the public on the various operational changes at parks and other PARD facilities. Rangers are not law enforcement officers. The Ranger program was created to provide educational services, safety, and security in Austin's parks and recreational facilities. Through these actions, Rangers help protect and foster stewardship of the natural world."