Nine Year SAPD Veteran Detective Matthew Bennett Arrested for Driving While Intoxicated in Burnet

9-year SAPD veteran Matthew Bennett faces a DWI charge after a Friday arrest in Burnet. Read about the ongoing criminal and administrative investigations.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 14, 2026, 11:36 AM EDT

Source: Information for this report was sourced from San Antonio Current and KSAT.

Nine Year SAPD Veteran Detective Matthew Bennett Arrested for Driving While Intoxicated in Burnet - article image
Nine Year SAPD Veteran Detective Matthew Bennett Arrested for Driving While Intoxicated in Burnet - article image

Off Duty Incident Leads to Central Texas Arrest

The San Antonio Police Department has confirmed the arrest of one of its veteran detectives following a traffic stop in Burnet, Texas. On Friday, March 13, 2026, Burnet Police Department officers detained 35 year old Matthew Bennett on suspicion of driving while intoxicated. Jail records indicate that Bennett was processed into the county facility before being released on a 1,500 dollar bond. The arrest occurred approximately 90 miles north of San Antonio, bringing an off duty incident under the jurisdiction of a neighboring Central Texas law enforcement agency.

Disciplinary Action and Internal Review Protocols

In the immediate aftermath of the arrest, SAPD officials took swift action regarding Bennett's current status within the force. The nine year veteran, whose career has focused on investigative duties, has been officially placed on administrative duty pending the outcome of a dual investigation. While the Burnet Police Department spearheads the criminal side of the case, the SAPD Internal Affairs Unit is conducting a concurrent administrative probe to determine if any department policies or codes of conduct were violated during the off duty excursion.

A Professional Record Under Scrutiny

Detective Bennett has served with the San Antonio Police Department for nearly a decade, a tenure that typically involves significant responsibilities within the city's investigative branches. This incident marks a significant disruption to his professional standing, as DWI arrests involving law enforcement personnel are subject to rigorous review under Texas civil service laws. The department has stated that the administrative investigation will run independently of the criminal court proceedings to ensure full accountability.

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