In a recent incident involving the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO), Deputy Steven Antu faced serious consequences for his actions during a police pursuit. This case has sparked discussions about police conduct and accountability, especially as it relates to the use of force and the handling of evidence.
Deputy Antu, an officer with eight years of experience, was cited for multiple rule violations, including performance of duties, use of deadly force, and mishandling firearm evidence. These findings were part of a larger set of disciplinary records made public by the sheriff’s office.
The case began in July 2024 when Antu spotted a man named Ivan Castillo waving a gun from a car window while driving on Culebra Road. Antu attempted to pull over Castillo multiple times, but the situation escalated when Castillo exited his vehicle in a neighborhood.
Dashboard camera footage revealed that Castillo dropped the gun, picked it back up, and ran across the street. In an unfortunate turn of events, Antu’s patrol vehicle struck Castillo at approximately 24 miles per hour. Fortunately, Castillo survived the incident and received medical attention on the scene.
Following the investigation, it was determined that Antu had violated BCSO policy regarding the securing of firearm evidence. Instead of following protocol, which requires a designated investigator to handle such evidence, Antu unloaded the gun himself.
After being placed on administrative leave, Antu received a notice of dismissal in March 2025. However, after a hearing, his suspension was reduced to 90 days, during which he was allowed to use his time on administrative leave to cover the suspension. Notably, Antu signed the suspension agreement but maintained his disagreement with the allegations.
Castillo ultimately pleaded no contest to misdemeanor evading arrest and received a sentence that included six months of community supervision and 20 hours of community service.
Other Recent Incidents Involving BCSO Officers
In a separate incident, Deputy Benjamin Jaramillo was suspended for 60 days after striking a bicyclist while pursuing a suspect. The investigation revealed that Jaramillo’s patrol vehicle lost control and collided with the cyclist while reaching high speeds during the chase.
Additionally, Investigator Troy Dominguez faced suspensions for failing to report an off-duty crash and borrowing a body-worn camera from a colleague at a shooting scene, highlighting issues with accountability and reporting procedures within the department.
These incidents raise critical questions about training, the use of force, and the protocols that law enforcement agencies must adhere to ensure public safety and officer accountability. As communities engage in discussions about policing, these cases serve as reminders of the importance of transparency and adherence to established policies.
The goal is to foster trust between law enforcement and the communities they serve, ensuring that officers are held to the highest standards while effectively carrying out their duties.
