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San Antonio Police Officer Suspended for Phone Use During Chase

High-speed police chase involving multiple vehicles.

News Summary

A San Antonio Police Department officer, Darius Smith, faces a three-day suspension after using his personal phone during a dangerous high-speed pursuit. The chase involved carjacked suspects, gunfire, and risky maneuvers. Officer Smith’s distraction led to potential violations of safety protocols, highlighting the importance of focus in law enforcement. Fortunately, no injuries occurred amidst the chaos, prompting the department to review standards for handling such critical situations.

San Antonio Police Officer Faces Suspension for Poor Phone Use During Chase

In a story that’s equal parts thrilling and troubling, a San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) officer is taking a short break from duty after a fiery high-speed chase where his phone appeared to be more of a distraction than an asset. Officer Darius Smith, who just joined the force in September 2023, was handed a three-day suspension due to his actions during a tense pursuit on October 20, 2024.

The Hair-Raising Chase

The chase kicked off near Harry Wurzbach Road and Austin Highway when two men, suspected of carjacking, led police on a wild ride through the city. The suspense ramped up when two officers even had to fire their weapons in an effort to apprehend the runaway suspects. Luckily, no one was hurt, and the dangerous chase finally reached its conclusion at the intersection of FM 1518 and Lower Seguin Road in nearby Schertz.

Officer Smith’s Phone Dilemma

Here’s where things got a little messy. During the high-speed pursuit, Officer Smith decided it was a good idea to use his personal phone without a hands-free device. It turns out, he was chatting with an unknown individual instead of focusing entirely on the chase. This slip-up was highlighted during the investigation, which suggested that his phone use clouded his judgment, ultimately impacting his ability to effectively manage the ongoing situation.

Protocol and Policy Violations

What’s even more concerning is that Officer Smith not only broke departmental rules regarding phone use but also ignored basic traffic laws. The investigation found that he was not making the call safely, which puts everyone around him at risk—not just the suspects but also fellow officers and innocent civilians caught in the chaos.

The Stolen Vehicle’s Wild Ride

As the chase progressed, it took a dangerous turn when one of the suspects fired a shot, hitting one of the patrol cars’ bumpers. The stolen vehicle itself didn’t have a calm moment either; it crashed into a civilian vehicle and subsequently rear-ended another car in its escape attempt. As soon as the car crashed, the suspects exited, brandishing a firearm towards the pursuing officers.

Luck on Their Side

Despite the high stakes and dramatic turns, the good news is that there were no injuries reported among the officers or the suspects involved. After the wild chase, both suspects were ultimately apprehended—bringing some closure to a tense and fast-paced situation.

Judgment Under Scrutiny

Everything came to a head for Officer Smith when the SAPD reviewed body camera footage of the incident. His use of the phone during such a crucial moment was seen as a failure of sound judgment while trying to manage an active police situation. Following this review, the decision was made to suspend him for three days, from April 10 to April 12, 2025. It was a wake-up call for Officer Smith, reminding all officers of the importance of remaining focused and adhering to department protocols.

Moving Forward

As Officer Smith takes his brief sabbatical, this incident serves as a reminder of how easy it can be to lose focus in high-pressure situations. Striking a balance between technology and the responsibilities of law enforcement is crucial to ensuring the safety of everyone involved. One can only hope that this serves as a learning experience for Officer Smith and the entire SAPD.

Stay tuned for more updates, and let’s keep our fingers crossed that our officers stay focused—and keep their phones in their pockets—when the action heats up!