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San Antonio Cop Suspended for Verbal Abuse After DWI Arrest
Officer Paul Fencik faces 25-day suspension for reckless driving and berating suspect during call
Jan. 29, 2026 at 3:31pm
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A San Antonio police officer who was arrested on suspicion of DWI while on duty is now facing a 25-day suspension for an earlier incident in which he drove recklessly, verbally abused a suspect, and violated department policies on body camera use and tobacco use.
Why it matters
This case highlights concerns about accountability and discipline within the San Antonio Police Department, as well as broader issues around officer misconduct and the need for stronger oversight and training to ensure professional conduct, especially when interacting with the public.
The details
According to disciplinary records, on July 8, Officer Paul Fencik responded to an assault call but failed to activate his body camera until after he had already spoken to the victim and suspect. The body camera footage then captured Fencik making inappropriate comments about the SAPD mental health unit, violating the department's tobacco use policy by smoking a cigarette, and verbally abusing the suspect he had detained, telling the suspect "Appreciate it, bro, thanks. Thanks for being a [expletive]." Fencik also drove recklessly with the suspect handcuffed in the back, including going the wrong way across traffic and over a concrete median.
- On July 8, Fencik responded to an assault call at 11:53 p.m.
- Fencik's 25-day suspension began on January 5, 2026.
The players
Paul Fencik
A 46-year-old San Antonio police officer who was arrested on suspicion of DWI while on duty and is now facing a 25-day suspension for reckless driving and verbally abusing a suspect.
San Antonio Police Department
The law enforcement agency that arrested Fencik on suspicion of DWI and is now disciplining him for misconduct during an earlier incident.
What they’re saying
“Guess I'm not going to see my [redacted] today. Thanks guys, I appreciate it. I got to retire... Every day there is one [expletive] [expletive] that [expletive] my day up. Can't you just behave?”
— Paul Fencik, Police Officer (expressnews.com)
“Appreciate it, bro, thanks. Thanks for being a [expletive].”
— Paul Fencik, Police Officer (expressnews.com)
What’s next
The San Antonio Police Department will determine whether to uphold Fencik's 25-day suspension or take further disciplinary action.
The takeaway
This incident raises serious concerns about the conduct and accountability of some San Antonio police officers, underscoring the need for stronger oversight, de-escalation training, and a culture of professionalism within the department to rebuild public trust.
