Portland, OR. — A Happy Valley woman has been charged in federal court after allegedly punching a Federal Protective Service (FPS) officer during a traffic stop on October 29, 2025.
According to court documents, 25-year-old Melanie Breeanne Rivas was driving when an FPS officer in a marked patrol vehicle observed her repeatedly turning her car toward him and making obscene gestures. Rivas allegedly cut off the officer, braked sharply in front of his vehicle for several miles, and continued to block his attempts to change lanes.
After initiating a traffic stop, the officer asked Rivas to step out of her vehicle. Rivas initially refused, reaching for items in her console before eventually exiting. As the officer attempted to handcuff her, Rivas allegedly struck him in the face.
Rivas made her initial appearance in U.S. District Court in Portland before a magistrate judge and was released pending further proceedings.
The case is being investigated by the Federal Protective Service and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Oregon.
Authorities noted that a criminal complaint is only an accusation, and Rivas is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.
About the Author
