Former Police Officer REINSTATED Despite Disgusting Stunt

A former Texas police officer, once fired for a shocking incident involving a homeless man, has been given another chance in law enforcement, sparking debate about accountability and redemption in the police force.

At a Glance

  • Matthew Luckhurst, fired from San Antonio PD for allegedly giving a homeless man a feces-filled sandwich, is back in uniform
  • Luckhurst was also accused of a separate incident involving misuse of Police Department facilities
  • He has since been hired by Benavides Police Department, where he currently serves without reported issues
  • The rehiring raises questions about second chances and accountability in law enforcement

The Controversial Incident

In 2016, Matthew Luckhurst, then a San Antonio police officer, found himself at the center of a scandal that would ultimately cost him his job. Luckhurst was accused of giving a homeless man a sandwich filled with dog feces, an act that San Antonio Police Chief William McManus condemned as a “vile and disgusting act.” The incident, which Luckhurst claims was misunderstood, led to his dismissal from the force.

According to reports, Luckhurst maintained that he never intended for the sandwich to be consumed, but rather discarded. Importantly, it was noted that the homeless man did not eat the sandwich. However, the damage to Luckhurst’s reputation and career was already done.

A Pattern of Misconduct?

The sandwich incident was not the only allegation against Luckhurst. In the same year, he was accused of another disturbing act involving feces in a Police Department restroom. These incidents painted a troubling picture of an officer’s conduct and raised serious questions about his fitness to serve in law enforcement.

Luckhurst’s attempts to overturn his firing were initially successful, as he briefly returned to the San Antonio police force in 2019. However, his reinstatement was short-lived, and he was dismissed again in 2020. Following this, he found employment with the Floresville Police Department in 2022, but that position also ended after just 10 months.

A Controversial Second Chance

Despite his troubled history, Luckhurst has found another opportunity in law enforcement. In 2023, he was hired by the Benavides Police Department, where he currently serves. This decision has reignited debates about police accountability and the circumstances under which officers with controversial pasts should be allowed to return to duty.

Benavides Police Chief Andre Hines said that the response “reflects the department’s commitment to honesty and accountability,”

Chief Hines has defended the decision to hire Luckhurst, emphasizing that a thorough background check was conducted before his employment. The chief also noted that Luckhurst’s performance since joining the department “has been exemplary, with no complaints or issues reported”, and said “a thorough background check” helped ensure “all aspects of his history were carefully considered.”

The rehiring of Luckhurst raises important questions about redemption, public trust, and the standards to which law enforcement officers are held.

What do you think?