Matthew Garza (2019)

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Overview

On November 26, 2019, San Antonio Texas Police Department Officers Michael Brewer and Andre Vargas responded to a disturbance call.[1] Garza had been arguing with a woman over their child and appeared to be driving away when officers arrived.[2]

The officers blocked Garza's vehicle with their police cruiser, and ordered him from the car at gunpoint. Garza did not comply with orders to get on the ground, and Vargas tased him.[2]

Garza was arrested and charged with evading arrest.[2] Brewer put his knee on Garza's neck while he was handcuffed. Vargas lifted the handcuffed Garza off the ground by his arms.[1]

The officers were suspended indefinitely.[1]

In January 2020, Garza filed a complaint against the officers.[1]

Investigators determined that Vargas had used unnecessary force in lifting Garza from the ground and that his use of the taser "far exceeded the reasonable force necessary to accomplish the arrest". Brewer used "unnecessary physical violence" by kneeling on the handcuffed and non-resisting Garza.[2]

In June 2020, both officers were fired.[3]

Garza was granted deferred adjudication for the evading arrest charge and given two years of probation.[2]

On March 22, 2022, Brewer was charged with unlawful restraint, a third-degree felony, and faces 10 years in prison and a possible fine of up to $10,000.[2]

On May 1, 2023, the District Attorney dropped the charged against Brewer.[4]

On October 10, 2024, an arbitrator determined that Vargas' firing was "excessive and unreasonable". Vargas was given a five-day suspension and reinstated.[5]

Video

The incident was captured on Brewer's body-worn camera.[2]

Officers Involved


Public Comments

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Fares Sabawi, San Antonio police officer fired after kneeling on suspect’s neck: records, KSAT, 2020-08-12
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 2.6 Fares Sabawi, Former SAPD officer accused of kneeling on suspect’s neck criminally charged, KSAT, 2022-03-23
  3. ↑ Fares Sabawi, After firing 4 officers for excessive force, San Antonio police chief asks for FBI review, KSAT, 2020-08-13
  4. ↑ Dillon Collier, Prosecutors dismiss felony charge against ex-SAPD officer accused of kneeling on suspect’s neck, KSAT, 2023-05-01
  5. ↑ Jesse Hoffman, San Antonio Officer Reinstated After Arbitrator Overturns 2019 Firing Over Use of Force, Hoodline, 2024-10-12

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