A San Antonio police officer was suspended for three days after he was found drunk and lying on the sidewalk while off-duty, according to disciplinary records released by the city.
The incident led to an internal review that determined Pena violated department rules, and Officer Juan Pena was suspended for three days from January 12 to January 14. Pena was disciplined based on a written order from the police chief, records show.
At 2:45 a.m. on Aug. 22, a SAPD officer on patrol in the 14800 block of Jones Maltsberger Road saw a man lying on his back on the sidewalk near McAllister Park.
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Police pulled over to check on the man and identified him as Pena. Police said they smelled a strong odor of alcohol.
Pena admitted he had been drinking at the bar before police found him on the sidewalk.
Investigators said body camera footage showed Pena slurring his words and not knowing where he was. He thought he was “just down the street” from his home, but it was actually about seven miles away.
According to the SAPD general manual, officers are not allowed to be intoxicated in public or drink to a level unfit for duty.
This article was originally published on SAPD: Off-duty officer found drunk lying on sidewalk 7 miles from home, temporarily suspended.
