SAN ANTONIO — The future of former San Antonio police officer Jeremias Duque Jr. now rests with a single arbitrator after a two-day hearing that ended this afternoon.

The arbitration centered on an incident at what was meant to be a children’s birthday party in July 2023 that escalated into chaos and led to allegations against Duque. He was accused of groping the homeowner’s mother, getting into a physical fight and breaking a window while trying to get inside the home.

San Antonio Police Chief William McManus said Duque’s conduct warranted the discipline he received.

“This was totally uncalled for, and the indefinite suspension was well deserved,” McManus said.

McManus also testified about what he said witnesses reported from that night.

“The witness described officer Duque’s behavior immorality inappropriate and when he confronted officer Duque about the matter, he alleged that officer Duque told him could whatever he wanted,” McManus said.

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Duque denied remembering any groping and maintained he was attacked at the party when a man swung at him. Describing the fight, Duque said, “I fell backwards and he just starts hitting me in the face, I didn’t do anything about it, taking these blows to my face, I remember going to the window to get help from the homeowners.”

Pressed about why he appeared to have trouble believing others’ accounts of what happened, Duque said, “It’s not in my character to do such things, I’ve drank before in the military, in the marines. I’ve never gone to that point where bad things happen.”

McManus said Duque should have been arrested that night, but wasn’t because the family did not want to file a complaint. He also criticized the fact that another police department was called to respond.

“The fact that you have another police department being called to one of our own is an embarrasment to the department,” McManus said.

Duque’s attorney challenged McManus by citing other similar cases and arguing the suspension may have been unfair.

Both sides have rested. The arbitrator is expected to rule in 60 to 90 days on whether Duque will get his job back.