2-year-old incident costs deputy his job
A Bexar County Sheriff's deputy was fired last week after officials discovered that an arrest warrant was issued for him in connection with a 2-year-old domestic violence incident.
Andre Phillip Winston, 25, was arrested Thursday and charged with interference with an emergency telephone call following an audit of employees suspected of criminal misconduct, officials said. Winston posted a $1,000 bond and was released the same day.
The alleged offense, which is considered a misdemeanor, occurred on Sept. 25, 2018, BCSO said.
On that day, Winston went to his ex-girlfriend's North Side apartment to deliver something to eat, according to a San Antonio police report.
The woman told police
Winston became angry after she refused his attempts to kiss her because they were no longer in a relationship. After she told him to leave, he allegedly grabbed her and threw her down before slapping her and damaging her glasses, the report states.
She attempted to call 911 after yelling for help from a balcony door, but Winston allegedly grabbed the phone and threw it, the report states.
Winston then allegedly pulled her by the hair when she ran for the door, causing some strands to come out of her scalp, the report states. He then ran outside to his car and drove away, the woman said.
According to records, the woman filed a complaint with SAPD that day. A warrant for Winston's arrest was issued on Aug. 11. It is unclear why it took almost two years to obtain the warrant.
After discovering the warrant, Sheriff Javier Salazar took “immediate action” and presented Winston with termination papers, a spokesperson said.
Winston, who had been with the department since 2017, resigned in lieu of termination and received a dishonorable discharge.
After the incident, Winston, who was a detention deputy, was placed on administrative leave.
On Oct. 9, 2018, he was assigned to administrative duty and worked in fleet maintenance until his resignation. It is unclear why he was removed from administrative leave.
“This former employee has to face his legal issues on his own, and won't be doing that as a member of this agency,” Salazar said. “This agency will continue to take a strong stance on domestic violence issues whether in the community or within our own ranks.”
Under the department's civil service rules, adopted in 2018, Winston is not eligible for rehire.
The arrest came just days after another deputy was fired for posting “an offensive Facebook comment that incited violence,” the department said.
Officials fired former deputy Jackie Farmer on Sept. 15 after he allegedly made comments in a social media post that said people “should lynch mob” someone accused of stealing mail.