safety
Former San Antonio cop who fed homeless man shit-filled sandwich gets big promotion
By Michael Karlis at San Antonio Current
· June 17, 2026
· 1 min read
The former San Antonio police officer accused of feeding a homeless man a sandwich stuffed with dog feces is now the chief of police of the small South Texas town of Benavides. One-time SAPD officer Matthew Luckhurst was appointed top cop in the town of about 1,100 people on June 1, Benavides Cit...
Key takeaway The former San Antonio police officer accused of feeding a homeless man a sandwich stuffed with dog feces is now the chief of police of the small South Texas town of Benavides.
Why this matters in Alamo Heights News
The appointment of Matthew Luckhurst as police chief in Benavides raises questions about the vetting process for law enforcement leaders in small Texas towns. Given the seriousness of the allegations against him, it is surprising that he was chosen for this position. As a community within the larger San Antonio area, Alamo Heights residents may wonder how such a decision was made, and what it says about the standards for police leadership in nearby towns. The fact that Luckhurst was appointed to lead a police department despite his controversial past could have implications for how law enforcement is perceived in the region. It will be worth watching how the community in Benavides responds to Luckhurst's leadership, and whether his appointment has any ripple effects in the broader San Antonio area, including Alamo Heights. This development may also prompt discussions about police accountability and hiring practices in local law enforcement agencies.
About this story
Original reporting by San Antonio Current . Alamo Heights News surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit San Antonio Current . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: safety ·
Published: June 17, 2026 ·
Source: San Antonio Current ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? The former San Antonio police officer accused of feeding a homeless man a sandwich stuffed with dog feces is now the chief of police of the small South Texas town of Benavides. One-time SAPD officer Matthew Luckhurst was appointed top cop in the town of about 1,100 people on June 1, Benavides Cit...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 17, 2026 by San Antonio Current and curated for Alamo Heights News readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Michael Karlis at San Antonio Current. To learn more about how Alamo Heights News selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more safety coverage from Alamo Heights News, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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