BENAVIDES, Texas
A former San Antonio police officer who was previously accused in two misconduct incidents involving fecal matter has been appointed police chief in the City of Benavides, Texas.
According to city records, the Benavides City Council voted on April 30, 2026, to appoint Matthew Luckhurst as the city’s new police chief. Council records indicate he will be paid $28 per hour in the position.
Luckhurst had previously served with the San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) and later worked for the Floresville Police Department before joining the Benavides Police Department in April 2023.
Background of Prior Allegations
In 2016, SAPD suspended Luckhurst following two separate incidents involving allegations of inappropriate conduct.
According to previously reported records, one accusation alleged that Luckhurst placed feces in a sandwich that had been intended for a homeless individual. A separate allegation involved a feces-like substance being smeared on the women’s restroom at SAPD’s bike patrol unit.
The allegations received national attention and became the subject of disciplinary proceedings within SAPD.
Arbitration Ruling Led to Reinstatement
Although SAPD sought his dismissal, Luckhurst was reinstated in 2019 following an arbitration decision.
According to records from the case, the arbitrator determined that the department had failed to impose discipline within the 180-day period required under applicable procedures related to the sandwich allegation.
The ruling resulted in Luckhurst returning to duty despite the prior disciplinary action.
CLICK HERE to get your copy of
Remarks by Former SAPD Chief
In 2020, then-San Antonio Police Chief William McManus publicly commented on the matter.
McManus stated on the record that the conduct at issue was:
“Probably one of the most disgusting, vile, repulsive things that anybody has ever done.”
The statement was made during public discussion surrounding the disciplinary history and arbitration outcome.
Employment After San Antonio
Public records indicate that Luckhurst later joined the Floresville Police Department.
According to previously reported information, he left that department approximately two years later after the earlier allegations again became the subject of public attention.
Luckhurst subsequently joined the Benavides Police Department in April 2023.
Appointment as Benavides Police Chief
The April 30 vote by the Benavides City Council elevated Luckhurst to the position of police chief, making him the highest-ranking law enforcement official in the South Texas community.
Benavides is located in Duval County and has a population of fewer than 1,500 residents.
No publicly reported criminal charges have been filed against Luckhurst in connection with the allegations that led to his suspension from SAPD.
Current Status
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the new police chief of Benavides, Texas?
Matthew Luckhurst was appointed police chief by the Benavides City Council on April 30, 2026.
What allegations previously involved Luckhurst?
Public records and prior reporting documented two separate misconduct allegations involving fecal matter while he was employed by the San Antonio Police Department.
Was Luckhurst criminally charged?
No publicly reported criminal charges stemming from those allegations have been identified.
Why was he reinstated to SAPD?
An arbitrator ruled in 2019 that the department had failed to impose discipline within the required 180-day time period applicable to the case.
Where did Luckhurst work after leaving SAPD?
Records show he later worked for the Floresville Police Department before joining the Benavides Police Department in 2023.
Need an Independent Review of a Police-Related Incident?
If you are a police officer, attorney, government agency, or citizen involved in a police-related incident and need an independent standards review, expert consultation, body camera analysis, or case evaluation, Cop Talk LIVE provides objective incident assessments based on training, policy, accepted police practices, and established legal standards.
Whether the issue involves use of force, officer conduct, citizen complaints, internal investigations, traffic stops, arrests, or critical incidents, each case is reviewed on its facts and evidence.
To request a confidential consultation or case review, visit https://coptalklive.org and submit your case through our intake form.
🚔 The Conversation Continues with Cop Talk LIVE Insider Access! CLICK HERE: https://www.patreon.com/c/coptalklive/membership
About The Author
Discover more from Cop Talk LIVE
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
