SAPD fires officer for failing to pat down teenager who shot himself in Bexar County jail

SAN ANTONIO — San Antonio police have fired an officer for failing to pat down a teenager who shot himself in the Bexar County Jail earlier this year.

Officer Abdiel Munoz was suspended indefinitely on July 29 after an internal investigation found he had neglected his duty and demonstrated incompetence, according to city disciplinary records released Friday.

On March 3, 19-year-old Jesus Gonzales pulled out a gun and shot himself during a body search by a Bexar County Sheriff's deputy.

SAPD body-worn camera footage obtained by KSAT Investigates in late March showed that several officers, including Munoz, failed to pat down Gonzales after he was arrested on a warrant at a restaurant where he worked near Tezel Road and Guilbeau Road.

The incident sparked criticism from BCSO Sheriff Javier Salazar, who said earlier this year there was no reason why a gun should be allowed into the jail.

BCSO officials have not said whether any deputies have been disciplined for the incident.

Gonzales had a weapon hidden in his clothing

Munoz's disciplinary records provide a more detailed account of the circumstances surrounding the shooting.

After officers were dispatched on a manhunt, Gonzales was taken into custody and searched by Munoz at the scene, records show.

Munoz then took Gonzales to the jail, and records show that after taking the suspect inside, he left him leaning against a wall in a small entryway.

According to records, a BCSO officer then removed Gonzales' handcuffs but placed leg irons on him.

According to records, a BCSO corporal then searched Gonzales before taking him to the detention area.

After a third officer took Gonzales into a small room to conduct a body search, Gonzales pulled out a handgun hidden under his clothing and shot himself in the head, according to records.

Munoz has worked for SAPD since 2010.

KSAT could not find any record of any of the other officers involved in Gonzales' arrest being suspended.

Read more reports about the KSAT Investigates Page.