Off-duty HPD officer arrested, accused of racing on Grand Parkway with child in back seat

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas – A deputy with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office arrested an off-duty Houston police officer after they say he was seen racing a vehicle on the Grand Parkway with his child in the back seat.

The sheriff’s office said it happened Thursday night at State Highway 99 and Clay Road when a deputy spotted two vehicles racing side-by-side going southbound. The deputy said the off-duty officer was clocked going between 120-130 mph.

• Woman accused of throwing 25-pound plate at woman she believed was involved with her partner at 24 Hour Fitness

The deputy pulled over the off-duty officer, who the sheriff’s office said was driving his personal vehicle, an older black Mercedes.

The man, identified as Giovanni-Quinn Gumatatao, allegedly had his 8-year-old in the back seat of the car. Gumatatao was arrested at the scene. A family member came to pick up the child.

• 15 years later, families renew calls for justice in deadly Houston crash as suspect remains free in Nepal

The Houston Police Department confirms Gumatatao has been relieved of duty. He has been with the department since January 2024 and was assigned to Westside Patrol.

KPRC 2 is working to learn what the exact charges are against Gumatatao.