SAPD: Officer suspended, accused of punching DWI suspect repeatedly

SAN ANTONIO (KTSA News) — The San Antonio Police Department suspended one of its officers after he punched a DWI suspect.

KSAT-12 reports Officer Domingo Rios III was suspended 12 days after the incident in March.

According to suspension records, Rios punched the suspect, Mario Diaz, while officers were trying to get blood drawn via search warrant.

Investigators say Diaz refused to cooperate and tried to resist a restraint chair. As three additional officers assisted in getting Rios into the chair, Diaz reportedly spit in Rios’ face. At that point, Rios began punching Diaz with a closed fist. The report also says Rios had slapped Diaz prior to the spitting incident.

Rios was physically removed from the the room by other officers.

Bexar County court records show Diaz was eventually charged with DWI.