A landscaper was arrested for assaulting a postal worker during a confrontation in Harris County, according to Pct. 4. Her family shares a different story.
HOUSTON — A local landscaper was arrested and charged with assault after an incident involving a postal worker that was captured on video, according to officials from the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office. The landscaper’s family says she is the victim. Part of the incident was caught on video.
Margarita Avila, who was working as a landscaper near a community mailbox, allegedly injured a postal worker with a weed eater during a confrontation, leading to her arrest. The incident has reportedly resulted in Avila being detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement.
“It’s just very devastating. I mean, we just don’t know what to do,” said Lisbet Avila, Margarita’s daughter, describing the impact of the situation on their family.
The Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office posted information about the arrest on Facebook after charging Avila with assault. However, her family maintains she was wrongfully arrested and acted in self-defense.
According to Lisbet Avila, her mother was wearing protective gear and earplugs when the incident occurred.
“With the wrestling and everything, that’s when you could see the weed eaters just like going different places,” she said.
The daughter claims the postal worker initiated the confrontation.
“She said the lady came from behind and knocked the glasses out of her face,” Lisbet Avila said.
Video of the incident shows the landscaper and postal worker in a dispute. Shortly after, a woman working with the landscaper began recording the aftermath.
The family reports that the assault charge has complicated Avila’s legal situation, particularly regarding immigration matters.
“My mom was put out there as her being the attacker, but she’s really the victim here and she’s still suffering right now,” Lisbet Avila said.
The family has retained two attorneys — one for the criminal charge and another for immigration issues — and is working to have the charges dropped so Avila can be released from ICE custody.
A spokesperson for the United States Postal Service confirmed they are aware of the incident and have interviewed the postal worker involved. While USPS is working with management regarding the matter, they are not conducting their own investigation and have referred inquiries to Precinct 4. At the time of reporting, Precinct 4 officials had not responded to requests for comment.
Statement from USPS
Postal inspectors from the Houston Division were made aware of the incident through social media posts. Postal inspectors interviewed the USPS letter carrier involved in the altercation and are working with USPS management.
The Postal Inspection Service does not have an open investigation regarding this incident. For information regarding criminal charges, please contact the Harris County Precinct 4 Constable’s Office.