SAPD officer Bless Achor turned himself in on Wednesday after warrants were issued on charges of injury to a child and child endangerment. He has been placed on administrative duty.
Bexar County Sheriff’s Office
A San Antonio Police Department officer is accused of beating his 12-year-old daughter, dragging her across the floor and refusing to get her medical treatment before telling her to “let it bleed out,” according to two arrest affidavits.
Officer Bless Achor, a six-year veteran with the department, turned himself in to the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office Wednesday after warrants were issued for his arrest. He is charged with injury to a child causing bodily injury and abandoning or endangering a child, court records show.
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Achor later posted bond and was released from the Bexar County jail on Wednesday.
In a news release, SAPD said Achor has been placed on administrative duty while the department conducts an internal administrative investigation. The Texas Rangers are leading the criminal investigation into the allegations.
According to arrest affidavits, the alleged assault occurred June 6 at Achor’s Northwest Side apartment near the Medical Center, where his daughter was staying as part of a scheduled summer visitation.
Investigators allege Achor became enraged after his daughter did not help his pregnant wife — the girl’s stepmother — carry groceries into the apartment while she was also holding a small child. As the 12-year-old began crying, investigators say Achor told her he would “give her something to cry about” before repeatedly striking her.
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The girl told investigators that Achor slapped and punched her in the face, causing her to temporarily lose vision in one eye and suffer severe ear pain.
She later told investigators fluid began leaking from her ear.
The affidavits also allege Achor grabbed the girl by the ankle and dragged her across the carpet before pulling her by her arms and braids.
Investigators say he then forced her to remain on her knees in a corner for several hours.
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When the girl expressed concern about bleeding from a cut above her eye, Achor refused to seek medical treatment and instead told her to “let it bleed out.”
The affidavits say Achor’s wife called the girl’s mother, who lives in Livingston, to express concern about the child’s injuries and urged her to come to San Antonio.
After returning to Livingston, the girl’s mother took her to a local hospital, where doctors documented her injuries and a police report was filed.
Medical records reviewed by the Texas Rangers documented a hemorrhage in the girl’s right eye, hearing loss in her right ear and head injuries. A follow-up examination also found a suspected perforated eardrum, ear infections and injuries that doctors concluded were consistent with significant trauma.
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Medical providers also expressed concern the injuries were consistent with inflicted physical abuse.
The investigation began after authorities in East Texas learned about the girl’s injuries following her hospital visit. A forensic interview was conducted, and the Texas Rangers, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and other investigators reviewed medical records, interviewed witnesses and gathered additional evidence.
Achor was interviewed by the Texas Rangers on June 17 at an SAPD substation. Investigators wrote that he denied injuring his daughter and said he was unaware she had suffered any injuries.
The affidavits state that Achor agreed to cooperate with the investigation by allowing investigators to photograph his apartment, review text messages and administer a polygraph examination.
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Texas Rangers later executed a search warrant at Achor’s Northwest Side apartment as part of the investigation. According to the affidavits, Achor’s wife initially did not answer the door despite repeated knocks and announcements, prompting investigators to force entry.
The affidavits state that she declined to speak with investigators after the search.
Investigators concluded they had probable cause to believe Achor caused bodily injury to a child and, by his actions and alleged failure to seek medical treatment, placed the child in imminent danger of bodily injury or physical or mental impairment.
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The criminal investigation remains ongoing.