HPD officer relieved of duty following child endangerment charge for allegedly racing car: Records

HARRIS COUNTY, Texas (KTRK) — An off-duty Houston Police Department officer was arrested and charged with child endangerment after allegedly engaging in drag races with a child in the car, court records show.

Documents allege Giovoinni-Quinn Gumataotao was racing at speeds exceeding 130 miles per hour on Thursday night when he was taken into custody by the Harris County Sheriff’s Office.

When Gumataotao was stopped, deputies found out there was an 8-year-old inside the car with him, documents show.

HPD confirmed that Gumataotao is an HPD employee and added that he has been relieved of duty.

Court records show Gumataotao was charged with a felony count of child endangerment and a misdemeanor for drag racing.

HPD says he’s been with the department since January 2024.

According to court documents, he posted bond and is expected in court on Jan. 20.