Matthew Luckhurst was suspended from the department in 2016 for two separate accusations involving fecal matter.
BENAVIDES, Texas — The ex-SAPD officer accused of putting feces in a homeless person’s sandwich is back in uniform.
Matthew Luckhurst was suspended from the department in 2016 for two separate accusations involving fecal matter.
Luckhurst is currently an officer with the Benavides Police Department and records show he’s been employed since April of 2023.
The department provided KENS 5 with the following statement:
This hiring demonstrates their commitment to offering individuals a second chance. Officer Luckhurst has consistently maintained that the allegations made against him during his time with the San Antonio police department—specifically the incident involving a homeless man—are untrue. An arbitrator ruled in favor of reinstating his employment.
That history includes being accused of putting fecal matter in a sandwich for the homeless.
In a separate incident wiping brown feces-like substances on a toilet in the only female restroom at bike patrol in 2016.
Luckhurst faced two indefinite suspensions from SAPD and was reinstated in 2019 due to a technicality that required Luckhurst to be disciplined within 180 days of the sandwich incident.
In 2020, an arbitration hearing was held and McManus on record regarding the acts.
“This is probably one of the most disgusting, vile, repulsive things that anybody has ever done,” McManus said.
In 2020 records show the Floresville Police Department hired the former SAPD officer and two years later, he was released from the force over the accusations.
Today Luckhurst is an officer with the Benavides Police Department since 2023.
The Texas commission on law enforcement told KENS 5 that they’re looking into the hiring procedures of the department to ensure Mr. Luckhurst was instated properly.
They cited new hiring processes that will be put into play come June this year.
Full statement from the Benavides Police Department:
The hiring of Officer Mathew Luckhurst by the Benavides Police Department highlights the department’s commitment to offering individuals a second chance to demonstrate their dedication to public service. Despite past allegations, Officer Luckhurst’s record since joining the department in April 2023, has been exemplary, with no complaints or issues reported. A thorough background check was conducted before he was sworn in as a peace officer, ensuring that all aspects of his history were carefully considered.
Officer Luckhurst has consistently maintained that the allegations made against him during his time with the San Antonio Police Department—specifically the incident involving a homeless man—are untrue. An arbitrator ruled in favor of reinstating his employment.
Chief Andre Hines’s decision to address Luckhurst’s past openly reflects the department’s commitment to honesty and accountability. By providing Officer Luckhurst with the opportunity to continue his career under close oversight, the Benavides Police Department demonstrates a dedication to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and fairness.
Looking ahead, Officer Luckhurst is deeply grateful for the opportunity to rebuild trust and serve the community with integrity. His actions moving forward will not only reflect his personal growth and professional dedication but will also positively impact the community he now serves.
Chief Andre Hines
Benavides Police Department