Dallas, September 5, 2025
News Summary
A Dallas police officer has been suspended for 45 days without pay following a domestic incident where he allegedly caused damage to his girlfriend’s home. The officer, Austin Garza, had reportedly kicked in the front door during a dispute, prompting a 911 call from his girlfriend. Despite his arrest on a misdemeanor charge, the criminal case was later rejected for prosecution. The department’s internal investigation found violations of its conduct code, leading to the suspension. The incident raises questions about off-duty conduct and public trust in the police.
Dallas — A Dallas police officer received a 45-day suspension without pay after an internal investigation found violations of department conduct following a domestic incident in October 2022.
What happened
Officer Austin Garza, 31, was suspended without pay for 45 days after being arrested in connection with an incident in which he allegedly kicked in the front door of his girlfriend’s Glenn Heights home on October 10, 2022. The incident prompted a 911 call from the girlfriend reporting fear for her safety. The damaged door led to a criminal mischief charge classified as a Class A misdemeanor.
The arrest took place on October 28, 2022. The suspension was imposed by the Dallas Police Department and communicated by Chief Daniel Comeaux. The suspension was effective from May 30 to July 31, 2023.
Investigation and disciplinary findings
An internal affairs investigation determined that Garza violated provisions of the Dallas Police Department’s code of conduct. The findings cited violations related to criminal acts and conduct that could undermine public respect for the department. As a result, the department issued the 45-day suspension without pay rather than termination.
Text messages recovered after the incident showed Garza apologizing and offering to wire $400 toward repairs to the front door. The total estimated cost of the door damage was $789.
Criminal case outcome
Following the arrest, Garza’s girlfriend later requested that charges be dropped. In April 2023, the Ellis County and District Attorney’s Office rejected the case for prosecution, effectively closing the criminal matter without a trial.
Administrative vs. criminal outcomes
The criminal prosecution decision and the department’s administrative discipline are separate processes. While prosecutors declined to pursue the criminal case, the internal department investigation still found conduct inconsistent with department policy and imposed the suspension.
Officer background and status
Garza joined the Dallas Police Department in June 2022 and was assigned to the Northeast Patrol Division. He earned his peace officer license in December 2022. Prior to the October incident, Garza received a police commendation award for actions in the line of duty that involved risk to his own safety.
At the time of the suspension announcement, it was not publicly clear whether Garza had retained an attorney or intended to appeal the disciplinary action.
Timeline of key events
- June 2022 — Garza hired by the Dallas Police Department and assigned to Northeast Patrol Division.
- October 10, 2022 — Alleged incident at girlfriend’s Glenn Heights home involving damage to front door.
- October 28, 2022 — Garza arrested on a Class A misdemeanor criminal mischief charge.
- December 2022 — Garza earned peace officer license.
- April 2023 — Ellis County and District Attorney’s Office rejected the case for prosecution after complainant sought to drop charges.
- May 30–July 31, 2023 — Officer served a 45-day suspension without pay, as announced by department leadership.
Community and department context
The department’s disciplinary action reflects its internal standards for off-duty conduct that can affect public trust. Administrative findings can lead to discipline even if criminal charges are not prosecuted. The case demonstrates how department policy and prosecutorial decisions operate independently when addressing alleged misconduct by sworn officers.
What this means going forward
The suspension is an administrative penalty applied after the department found policy violations. Because the criminal case was rejected for prosecution, there was no criminal conviction recorded in connection with the incident. The officer’s current legal representation and any plans to appeal the suspension have not been disclosed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was the officer suspended?
The officer was suspended after an internal affairs investigation found violations of the department’s code of conduct related to criminal acts and behavior that could undermine public respect for the department following a domestic incident.
How long is the suspension?
The suspension lasted 45 days without pay, effective from May 30 to July 31, 2023.
Was there a criminal case?
An arrest was made on a Class A misdemeanor criminal mischief charge stemming from alleged damage to a front door. The Ellis County and District Attorney’s Office later rejected the case for prosecution in April 2023 after the alleged victim requested charges be dropped.
Did the officer admit responsibility?
Text messages recovered after the incident showed the officer apologizing and offering to contribute $400 toward repairs. The total estimated repair cost was $789. Administrative findings, not criminal conviction, led to the suspension.
Is the officer still employed by the department?
The officer remained employed and had previously received a commendation while assigned to the Northeast Patrol Division. The suspension was an administrative disciplinary measure rather than termination.
Has the officer appealed the suspension?
Public information did not indicate whether the officer had obtained legal counsel or planned to appeal the suspension at the time the disciplinary action was announced.
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Officer | Austin Garza, 31 |
| Incident date | October 10, 2022 |
| Arrest date | October 28, 2022 |
| Charge | Criminal mischief (Class A misdemeanor) |
| Criminal case outcome | Case rejected for prosecution (April 2023) |
| Discipline | 45-day suspension without pay (May 30–July 31, 2023) |
| Department finding | Violation of code of conduct related to criminal acts and conduct undermining public respect |
| Repair estimate | $789 total; officer offered $400 |
| Hire date | June 2022 (Northeast Patrol Division) |
| Peace officer license | December 2022 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Dallas School District Approves New Safety Measures
Dallas Faces Pension Crisis as Deal is Rejected
Additional Resources
- Dallas News
- Wikipedia: Dallas Police Department
- WFAA
- Google Search: Dallas Police Department
- Fox 4 News
- Google Scholar: Dallas Police misconduct
- CBS News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dallas
- NBC DFW
- Google News: Dallas Police Department news
Author: STAFF HERE DALLAS WRITER
DALLAS STAFF WRITER The DALLAS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREDallas.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Dallas, Dallas County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the State Fair of Texas, Deep Ellum Arts Festival, and Dallas International Film Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Dallas Regional Chamber and United Way of Metropolitan Dallas, plus leading businesses in telecommunications, aviation, and semiconductors that power the local economy such as AT&T, Southwest Airlines, and Texas Instruments. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAustinTX.com, HERECollegeStation.com, HEREHouston.com, and HERESanAntonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
