SAN ANTONIO – The San Antonio Police Department said one of its officers was arrested while on-duty Thursday for driving while intoxicated.
The department said SAPD officer Paul Fencik was taken into custody at the south patrol substation with a blood alcohol content over .15, a Class A misdemeanor.
During roll call, an SAPD sergeant and lieutenant “detected the odor of intoxicants” on Fencik, police said.
After they began the administrative process, Fencik drove his patrol vehicle out of the substation parking lot, SAPD said. The lieutenant then called him back, and Fencik returned right away.
During a search of Fencik’s patrol vehicle, police said they found an open beer container in the center console and a cooler filled with unopened beer.
Fencik, who has been with the department for 18 years, has been placed on administrative duty, the release said.
According to a KSAT analysis, Fencik is the third San Antonio police officer to face legal trouble in 2025.
“I am deeply disappointed that an officer would choose to drink and drive, endangering the very community we are sworn to protect,” police Chief William McManus said. “This behavior represents a clear violation of the public’s trust and the standards of conduct expected from those in our Department.”
SAPD said it is conducting a criminal and administrative investigation into Fencik’s arrest.
McManus said he is requesting the investigation be “expedited” so termination proceedings can begin promptly.
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