Seguin police officer arrested over alleged DWI in New Braunfels

The incident occurred over Veterans Day weekend.

Police car lights
Douglas Sacha/Getty Images

MYSA
By Gabriel Romero
November 13, 2023

A Central Texas police officer finds himself on administrative leave after being arrested over the Veterans Day weekend in the Texas Hill Country. 

Seguin police officer Jose Ricardo Zapata, 25, who's been a part of the police department for four years, was arrested at 11:43 p.m. on Sunday night, November 11, for allegedly driving while intoxicated, according to a news release.

"Law enforcement officers are held to a higher standard, and we take this matter seriously. We will cooperate fully with the New Braunfels Police Department investigation, and appropriate disciplinary measures will be taken based on the findings," said Seguin Police Department Chief Jason Brady in the release.

Zapata was arrested by the New Braunfels Police Department and transported to the Comal County Jail. The off-duty officer was placed on administrative leave until the department concludes its internal investigation. The Seguin Police Department is committed to holding its personnel accountable and to the highest standards possible, the release reads.

"The Seguin Police Department is dedicated to maintaining public trust and ensuring the safety of the community," the release added. "Incidents of this nature are thoroughly investigated, and the Seguin Police Department remains committed to excellence and transparency with the community."

In September, an off-duty San Antonio police officer was arrested on a DWI charge, according to a MySA report. The 16-year San Antonio Police Department officer, Eric Duffin, was found after a reported crash and officers found his truck stuck on a median and had glossy eyes and was slurring his words.