Matthew Luckhurst, a former San Antonio police officer, has made his way back into law enforcement, despite a disturbing history that led to his firing years ago.
After being dismissed for his involvement in a shocking incident, Luckhurst is now patrolling the streets of Benavides, Texas.
The Controversial Past
In 2016, Luckhurst, then a 42-year-old police officer, was terminated from his position with the San Antonio Police Department after committing a heinous act.
He served a homeless man a sandwich filled with dog feces, an incident that horrified both the public and his colleagues.
To make matters worse, in the same year, Luckhurst was accused of defiling a women’s restroom by smearing feces across the toilet, the only one available to female officers.
Despite these revolting acts, Luckhurst’s journey back to law enforcement didn’t end there.
In 2019, he was reinstated due to a legal loophole involving the timeline for disciplinary action.
A requirement that certain actions must be addressed within 180 days of the incident allowed Luckhurst to appeal his termination.
Legal Battle and Reinstatement
The case went to arbitration in 2020, and San Antonio Police Chief William McManus testified against Luckhurst’s actions.
McManus condemned the officer’s behavior, calling it “vile and disgusting” and contrary to the principles of integrity and respect upheld by the department.
However, Luckhurst’s legal team argued that the charges were not properly addressed within the required time frame, leading to his eventual return to the police force.
This decision sparked outrage, but Luckhurst continued to deny the allegations made against him, particularly regarding the sandwich incident.
A Fresh Start in Benavides
In December 2022, Luckhurst’s tenure in Floresville, Texas, came to an abrupt end when he was released from his position.
Floresville’s Mayor Cissy Gonzalez-Dippel confirmed his departure, citing new and stricter hiring policies being implemented by the city.
Nevertheless, Luckhurst has quietly returned to a law enforcement role, this time in Benavides, a small town in Texas.
The Benavides Police Department, under the leadership of Chief Andre Hines, announced that Luckhurst had been hired in April 2023.
Chief Hines defended the decision, emphasizing the department’s commitment to offering second chances.
He highlighted Luckhurst’s “exemplary record” since joining the force, claiming there have been no complaints or issues.
A thorough background check was conducted, and Luckhurst maintained his innocence regarding the allegations from his time with the San Antonio Police Department.
Public Reaction and Future Implications
The decision to hire Luckhurst has sparked mixed reactions.
While some believe in giving people a second chance, others argue that his past behavior should have permanently disqualified him from ever returning to law enforcement.
As for Luckhurst, he continues to deny the accusations from his previous role.
He insists that the sandwich incident, which he allegedly bragged about to a fellow officer, never occurred.
Nonetheless, the community and those affected by his past actions may never forget the dark chapter in his career.
It remains to be seen how this story will unfold, and whether Luckhurst’s return to law enforcement will be met with continued scrutiny or if he can truly move forward and prove his dedication to serving the public with respect and integrity.
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