SAN ANTONIO — Two off-duty Bexar County sheriff’s deputies resigned in lieu of termination after San Antonio police arrested them overnight Sunday in separate incidents, according to the sheriff’s office.
Damian Villegas, 19, was arrested for reckless driving, and Damien Trevino, 25, was arrested for driving while intoxicated, BCSO said.
Villegas had worked for the agency for one year, while Trevino had worked there for four years.
The sheriff’s office said both deputies’ separations would be reported to the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement under dishonorable conditions, effective immediately.
Sheriff Javier Salazar said in a statement Sunday, in part, “Any employee who chooses to drink and drive or willfully endanger the public should not be surprised when they’re suddenly unemployed.”
San Antonio police are conducting the criminal investigation, according to BCSO.
Joey Ramirez, a lifelong San Antonio resident and English teacher, said the news raised concerns about public trust.
“So hearing that we have public officials that are making poor decisions concerns me as a citizen because they take on the responsibility to protect and guide us,” Ramirez said.
Ramirez said he hopes adults consider the example they set for younger generations.
“I would hope everybody, every adult, every citizen does make better decisions because our youth right now are at a vulnerable state,” he said.
One woman who lives in San Antonio and asked not to be identified, said accountability matters.
“I think they should be held to a higher standard, regardless of whether they’re on or off duty, because we look to them to protect us,” she said.
We are working with the BCSO and the Sherriff for additional information, including where each arrest occurred and the circumstances surrounding the incidents.