Buda, Texas — A Texas man has been charged with assault after a confrontation with teenage protesters during a student-led anti-ICE walkout escalated into a physical fight captured on video. Police say 45-year-old Chad Michael Watts of Kyle was arrested Tuesday and charged with two counts of assault causing bodily injury following the incident near Johnson High School, south of Austin.
According to Buda police, officers responded Monday afternoon to reports of a fight near the protest, where students had gathered to oppose recent federal immigration enforcement actions. Witnesses told police that an argument began between a teenage girl standing on the sidewalk and a man inside a truck. Authorities say the dispute escalated into a physical altercation involving multiple people before the driver left the scene.
Video reviewed by investigators shows the man exiting his vehicle, pushing past students, and engaging physically with several teenagers. In one clip, he appears to single out a teenage girl, exchanging punches before she is pushed to the ground. After identifying the suspect and interviewing witnesses, police concluded that Watts was the “primary aggressor” in the encounter.
Hays County Judge Ruben Becerra emphasized that the students were participating in a lawful protest and said adults have a responsibility to show restraint around minors. He also highlighted the power imbalance involved, noting that multiple people intervened before the situation deescalated. Witnesses told local media they feared the man could have been armed and attempted to calm the situation to prevent further violence.
Sources
Discover more from News Facts Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
