San Antonio Police Officer Domingo Rios III served a 15-day unpaid suspension after SAPD determined he accessed records from an active felony investigation without authorization and shared case-related information with a friend who had a personal relationship with the suspect. The agreed suspension order, reviewed by The Hawk’s Eye, identifies him as Officer Domingo Rios, and states he had no assignment, investigative role or legitimate law enforcement purpose for opening the files. The conduct occurred between Oct. 5, and Oct. 7, 2025, while SAPD was investigating an allegation of invasive visual recording under Texas Penal Code Section 21.15, an offense the order identifies as a state jail felony. SAPD also found Rios communicated about the case outside his official duties while the criminal investigation remained active. Rios agreed to serve the suspension without pay from April 15, through April 29, 2026.

Access Traced Through SAPD’s Mark43 System

Mark43 audit records showed Rios accessed the offense report, a Night Criminal Investigations Division report and personal profiles of people connected to the SAPD case. According to the order, incident records and statements gathered during the administrative investigation established that Rios was not assigned to the case, did not hold an investigative or supervisory role and was not providing authorized support. SAPD concluded his use of the department’s computer system was unrelated to official department business. The disciplinary order does not explain how Rios first learned about the investigation or why he initially searched for the records.

Case Information Disclosed To Person Connected To Suspect

According to SAPD, Rios did more than view records he was not authorized to access. The order states that he directly communicated with a friend whom he knew had a personal relationship with the suspect under investigation. During that communication, Rios reportedly discussed general case information, described the case as being “filed at large” and explained that a detective could obtain a warrant if sufficient evidence were developed. SAPD concluded those statements disclosed information about the progress and potential disposition of an active criminal investigation to someone who was not authorized to receive it. The department also found Rios initiated and participated in the conversation with knowledge of his friend’s connection to the suspect. The record does not accuse Rios of communicating directly with the suspect or state whether the information ultimately reached the suspect.

Multiple Department Rules Cited

SAPD determined Rios violated rules governing unauthorized computer use, an officer’s responsibility to serve the public with honesty and sound judgment, and the unauthorized release of investigative information. The suspension was also based on civil service provisions covering acts of incompetency, conduct prejudicial to good order and violations of department rules or special orders. Rios was served with a contemplated 15-day suspension on March 5, 2026, and was given an opportunity to respond to the allegations before then-Police Chief William McManus. After exercising that opportunity, Rios and McManus agreed that the discipline would remain a 15-day unpaid suspension. Rios waived his rights to appeal and agreed that no administrative or judicial body could review or alter the punishment. The agreement was filed with the Fire Fighters’ and Police Officers’ Civil Service Commission on March 26, but it does not include Rios’ explanation or response during the rebuttal process.

Earlier Suspension Followed Blood-Draw Room Strikes

The latest discipline is at least the second publicly reported unpaid suspension involving Rios since 2024. Reports from ⁠KSAT, the ⁠San Antonio Current, and the ⁠San Antonio Express News show Rios previously received a 12-day suspension following a March 9, 2024, confrontation inside the Bexar County Magistrate’s Office blood-draw room. Records stated that DWI suspect Mario Diaz refused to provide a blood sample authorized by a search warrant and resisted being placed in a restraint chair. Rios reported that Diaz spat in his face before Rios began striking him, although another officer said Rios had already slapped Diaz before the spitting occurred. Disciplinary records stated Rios then delivered multiple closed-fist strikes to Diaz’s face and had to be physically removed from the room by other officers. Another officer reported Diaz was already restrained and under control when Rios began punching him. That suspension ran from Sept. 4, through Sept. 15, 2024, bringing Rios’ two publicly documented suspensions to a combined 27 days without pay.

License Remains Active As Record Leaves Questions

Texas Commission on Law Enforcement records reviewed by The Hawk’s Eye shows Rios remains employed by SAPD and holds an active peace officer license. The records lists his SAPD service as beginning Nov. 22, 2019

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