SAPD has released the bodycam footage of District 8 Councilwoman Ivalis Meza-Gonzalez’ DWI arrest back in July.
SAN ANTONIO — The San Antonio Police Department has released the body camera footage of the driving while intoxicated arrest of District 8 Councilwoman Ivalis Meza-Gonzalez.
On July 24, an officer in the department’s DWI unit conducted a traffic stop on westbound Interstate 10 at Fresno Street.
The driver was identified as Meza-Gonzalez. The officer evaluated her on the scene, and she subsequently was arrested and charged on suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
The body camera footage shows the exchange between the officer and Meza-Gonzalez during the traffic stop.
Meza-Gonzalez released the following statement regarding the footage:
“First and foremost, I want to thank the San Antonio Police Department for their role in keeping our community safe.
The video does not find me at my finest moment. I regret not being more forthcoming with the officer. I was overwhelmed—nervous, embarrassed, and, to be frank, afraid.
I understand that leadership isn’t about being perfect but about being accountable and growing from challenges. I intend to take full accountability for my actions and will work hard every day to represent my constituents as the process moves forward in the justice system.”
The District 8 councilwoman also said this isn’t the first time she’s been arrested for allegedly driving while intoxicated. Meza Gonzalez said she was previously charged in 2010 before being “acquitted by a jury of my peers.”
“Subsequently, I had the record expunged, as is the right of anyone who is actually innocent,” she said.
To watch the full video, click HERE.