SAN ANTONIO – An off-duty San Antonio police officer was arrested early Tuesday morning on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, SAPD officials said.
SAPD officials identified the officer as 50-year-old Phillip Lute, an 18-year-veteran of the police department.
SAPD Chief Anthony Trevino announced Officer Lute was involved in a minor accident with his personal vehicle on Interstate 35 at George Beach Avenue around 3 a.m.
Ofc. Lute showed signs of impairment and was detained by responding officers. Chief Trevino called a press conference Tuesday morning after the arrest.
"It's something I as police chief take very seriously, and so I think that we need to make sure that we are forthright with everything and we're going to take prompt and immediate action," Chief Trevino said.
Chief Trevino added Ofc. Lute was cooperative and no injuries were reported. SAPD officials said Ofc. Lute is assigned to downtown patrol.
RJ Marquez is the traffic anchor/reporter for KSAT’s Good Morning San Antonio. He also fills in as a news anchor and has covered stories from breaking news and Fiesta to Spurs championships and high school sports. RJ started at KSAT in 2010. He is proud to serve our viewers and be a part of the culture and community that makes San Antonio great.