Officers Gilberto Cruz and Bacilio Cuzman Accused of Beating NFL Player's Father

HOUSTON

The family of an NFL football player's dad, who claims he was beaten by Houston Police officers, is applauding news that the officers involved have been taken off the streets. But the victim's family says they want more, including criminal prosecution.

Officers Gilberto Cruz and Bacilio Guzman, the two accused of beating the man, along with a third officer, Matthew Marin, who made the initial traffic stop, have all now been reassigned to desk jobs pending the outcome of the investigation into what took place early Monday morning.

Marvin Driver, father of Green Bay Packers Wide Receiver Donald Driver, was arrested on outstanding traffic warrants and taken to the Southeast Jail on Mykawa. There, police say he was found to be unresponsive, so an ambulance was called to transport him to Memorial Hermann Hospital, where he was initially listed in critical condition.

Driver's family accuses Officers Cruz and Guzman of brutally beating Driver before taking him to the jail. They say he suffered injuries from blunt force trauma.

"We just want justice," Michael Driver, Marvin Driver's son, said after a news conference Friday outside his father's home.

Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt says investigators are awaiting medical reports to determine what injuries Driver sustained.

The family called the removal of the officers from patrol duty "a step in the right direction," but they, along with activist Quannel X, say they want the officers taken off the force for good, and they want them criminally prosecuted.

"We will be overjoyed and celebrating when these officers are removed permanently from the Houston Police Department," said Quannel X at a press conference on Friday.

Houston Police Officers Union President Gary Blankinship says the officers have all categorically denied using any force against Driver. He said he hopes the family will release Driver's medical records, and he's confident the officers will be vindicated.

"We take allegations such as these very seriously and will conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and be transparent in our findings, whatever the conclusion," Houston Police Chief Harold Hurtt said in a prepared statement.

NFL star Donald Driver had a brief visit to Houston to be with his father at Memorial Hermann Hospital. His uncle said that Driver will likely refrain from commenting on the case until all the facts come to light.

http://www.cnn.com/2008/CRIME/11/21/texas.beating/