An 18-year veteran of the San Antonio Police Department was taken into custody and charged with a DWI while on duty. Officer Paul Fencik was apprehended after two fellow officers noticed the aroma of alcohol on his breath during a roll call at the South Patrol Substation. These events unfolded early Thursday morning, as confirmed by both KTSA and MySanAntonio.com.
Following their initial contact, Fencik left the substation in his patrol car but was quickly requested to return. Upon his return and subsequent investigation, officers discovered an open beer container in the vehicle's center console along with several unopened beer containers nestled in a cooler, according to the San Antonio Police Department's statement. He has since been relegated to administrative duty amid ongoing criminal and administrative investigations, as reported by MySanAntonio.com.
In a statement obtained by KTSA, SAPD Chief William McManus expressed his discontent with the situation. "I am deeply disappointed that an officer would choose to drink and drive, endangering the very community we are sworn to protect," McManus said. He further denounced the officer's actions stating, "This behavior represents a clear violation of the public’s trust and the standards of conduct expected from those in our Department."
Officer Fencik is now facing charges of driving while intoxicated (BAC over .15), which is classified as a Class A misdemeanor. The discoveries in Fencik’s patrol car prompted an arrest for DWI. KTSA reported that the officer's arrest comes as a significant breach of the trust placed in him by the community and his colleagues. Chief McManus has called for an "expedited" investigation to initiate termination proceedings as swiftly as possible.
