‘I support my officers:’ El Paso police chief says officers acted appropriately in arrest of woman that went viral on social media

(UPDATE) -- El Paso Police Chief Peter Pacillas addressed the arrest on April 2 that went viral on social media stating his officers "acted within the law and policy of the El Paso Police Department."

Pacillas said that is what he expects his officers to do and that he supports his officers.

During the news conference, the chief spoke about the investigation conducted by Internal Affairs, which included the Discipline Review Board consisting of six civilians from the general public and six members of the El Paso Police Department. They determined "the actions of the officers and policy" followed proper protocols.

"So use of force is always a choice of the individual. When an officer goes out to execute a warrant o arrest somebody, it's the individual's decision that affect's the officer's response," said Pacillas.

He explained during the arrest of Kelcee Hufford, she "decided to resist arrest, and the officers had to use force to affect that arrest."

Pacillas added, he had not spoken to the officer seen in the viral social media video conducting the arrest.

When asked about his reaction to news of the arrest, Pacillas said, "My officers are affecting arrest use of force incident, and I support my officers." He said officers have the responsibility and the authority to conduct arrests. When they encounter resistance, they are also able to counter with force, according to Pacillas.

EL PASO, Texas (KVIA) -- El Paso Police Department Chief Peter Pacillas will address the arrest of 28-year-old Kelcee Hufford Friday. The arrest went viral on social media, where an EPPD officer is seen punching Hufford's head.

Police arrested Hufford for an active warrant on family violence after a financial dispute with her roommate on a previous date, documents said. A witness took a video during the arrest.

EPPD charged Hufford with resisting arrest. Documents said Hufford caused an officer to lose his balance multiple times while they tried to place her in handcuffs.

ABC-7 will livestream the press conference at 10:30 and have a live report starting at noon.