A woman from Happy Valley, Oregon, appeared in federal court after being accused of assaulting a Federal Protective Service (FPS) officer during a traffic stop.
According to court documents, on October 29, 2025, Melanie Breeanne Rivas, 25, was observed by an FPS officer engaging in aggressive driving behavior. The officer reported that Rivas repeatedly turned her vehicle toward his marked federal police patrol car and made offensive gestures. She then cut off the officer by moving into the right lane and continued to brake sharply in front of his vehicle for over four miles. When the officer tried to change lanes, Rivas reportedly maneuvered her car to stay in front and continued braking abruptly.
After pulling Rivas over, the officer asked her to exit her vehicle. She initially refused and reached for items in her center console before eventually stepping out but disregarding further commands. As the officer attempted to handcuff her, Rivas allegedly punched him in the face.
Rivas has been charged by criminal complaint with Assault on a Federal Officer. She made her initial appearance before a U.S. Magistrate Judge and was released pending further proceedings.
The case is being investigated by the FPS and prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office.
"A criminal complaint is only an accusation of a crime, and a defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty," according to officials.
