A Comal County Precinct 1 deputy constable has been suspended without pay and placed on probation following an off-duty confrontation with fellow law enforcement officers during an August 2024 narcotics investigation in San Antonio.

Deputy Rolando Bargas, a nearly two-decade veteran of Texas law enforcement, received a one-day unpaid suspension and six months of probation after an internal investigation concluded his conduct violated department policy on professional behavior and decorum. The discipline was approved by Constable Charles Motz, who slightly reduced the initial suspension recommended by his chief deputy.

The Incident

According to internal investigative records recently released under the Texas Public Information Act, the incident unfolded on August 13, 2024, outside Bargas’ San Antonio apartment. At the time, a Texas Department of Public Safety Criminal Investigations Division (DPS CID) team — including a San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) detective assigned to the task force — was conducting a follow-up search tied to a methamphetamine trafficking case at a neighboring apartment.

As part of the operation, the officers paused briefly in the parking lot near Bargas’ personal truck. The SAPD detective placed a small backpack on the truck’s plastic bedliner while having a suspect sign a consent-to-search form.

Bargas, observing the scene through a security camera, came out onto his balcony and ordered the officers to move away from his vehicle. He identified himself as a “Constable” and told them to remove the bag, reportedly in a stern tone.

The SAPD detective pointed to the large “POLICE” lettering on her ballistic vest, but Bargas responded that he “didn’t care who you are,” again demanding they step away.

Escalation and Second Confrontation

After the initial interaction, the DPS and SAPD officers proceeded to the target apartment. But as two of them — Special Agents with DPS — left the scene, they encountered Bargas again, now seated in his truck.

According to multiple statements from the agents, Bargas motioned for them to come over. What began as what he described as an attempt to apologize quickly turned into further discussion about “respect for his property.” One agent characterized the apology as “half-hearted” and said Bargas’ tone remained harsh.

When told his earlier conduct had been disrespectful, Bargas reportedly repeated that they could “file a complaint if you want to,” providing his name and badge number.

Investigation Findings

Chief Deputy Chris Snyder reviewed written statements from four law enforcement witnesses — including the SAPD detective, two DPS special agents, and a DPS CID lieutenant — as well as body-worn camera footage from the detective. All four described Bargas’ behavior as unprofessional and unnecessarily confrontational.

In his findings, Snyder noted that while it was understandable for Bargas to initially react to unknown individuals near his vehicle, his response after learning they were law enforcement officers should have been more accommodating.

“When coupled with the words stated, ‘I don’t care who you are,’ along with the tone and demeanor of delivery, unfortunately, this has brought discredit upon this agency,” Snyder wrote.

The second interaction — which Bargas claimed was meant to apologize — was viewed as tainted by the first encounter and delivered in a similarly abrasive manner.

Snyder concluded that Bargas violated Policy 2.13 – Conduct and Behavior, which requires members, on or off duty, to follow reasonable rules of good conduct and avoid actions that bring discredit to themselves or the office.

Disciplinary Action

Snyder recommended a two-day unpaid suspension and six months’ probation, warning that any further violation would be grounds for immediate termination. Constable Motz concurred with the findings but reduced the suspension to one day.

Bargas served the suspension on September 10, 2024, from 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and remained on probation until February 28, 2025.

The decision to reduce the suspension by one day was not explained in the records.

Deputy’s Response

In a written statement, Bargas maintained he acted politely when first approaching the officers and that his concern was solely for preventing damage to his truck. He said the female officer “smirked” at him and tried to intimidate him by pointing at her vest.

Bargas denied being aggressive, stating, “At no time was I violent or aggressive. If I raised my voice, it was to tell the female officer to please remove the objects and subjects from my truck.”

He also expressed frustration that the officers “didn’t care what I was saying at all” and reiterated that he had no issue with them filing a complaint.

Concerns Raised by Other Officers

In their statements, the DPS and SAPD officers expressed concern that such a minor issue resulted in what they viewed as an unnecessarily “volatile” or “agitated” response from a fellow law enforcement officer.

One DPS agent wrote, “Given Deputy Bargas’ display of a quick temper and emotional volatility, I am concerned as to how he may interact with the general public.”

The SAPD detective noted that public trust in law enforcement is fragile and said she hoped Bargas would be “more professional when interacting with the public.”

Bargas’ Career History

According to Texas Commission on Law Enforcement (TCOLE) records , Bargas has been a licensed peace officer since November 13, 2006. His career includes stints at:

• Our Lady of the Lake University Police Department (2006–2007)
• Shavano Park Police Department (2007–2012, 2012–2013)
• North East ISD Police Department (2014–2019)
• Comal County Constable Precinct 1 (2022–present)

---

---

---

Disclaimer

The content provided in this publication is for educational and informational purposes only. The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News strives to deliver accurate and impactful stories. However, readers are advised to seek professional legal counsel and guidance for their specific legal inquiries and concerns. The publication does not assume any responsibility for actions taken by individuals based on the information presented. 

Additionally, while every effort is made to ensure the reliability of the information, the publication does not warrant the completeness, accuracy, or timeliness of the content. Readers are encouraged to verify any legal information with official sources and to use their discretion when interpreting and applying the information provided.

A Couple of Our Other Reads

You may be interested in our publishing on the 772 arrest notifications TCOLE received in 2024..

Or you may find our publishing on a newly elected Texas sheriff’s battle with TCOLE over the accuracy of his personal history statement of interest.  

Follow Us on Social Media

If you are interested in staying updated on matters about your government in Texas and other important stories, trust The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News to provide reliable information that matters to you. You can follow us on social media platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, X, Reddit, YouTube, Tumblr, and LinkedIn to stay connected and informed.

FACEBOOK: TheHawksEyeNews
INSTAGRAM: Hawk_s_Eye_C_and_N
X: TheHawksEyeNews
REDDIT: TheHawksEyeCN
YOUTUBE: The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News
TUMBLR: The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News
LINKEDIN: The Hawk’s Eye – Consulting & News

---