Introduction to the Incident
A Dallas police officer, Austin Garza, who was 31 years old at the time, was arrested in the fall of 2024 after allegedly kicking in the front door of his girlfriend’s home in Glenn Heights during a breakup. This incident led to Garza receiving a 45-day suspension without pay, as reported by The Dallas Morning News after reviewing newly obtained records.
Details of the Incident
Garza was off-duty when the incident occurred on October 10, 2024. His girlfriend called 911, expressing fear for her safety, and reported that Garza had a history of "anger issues" and acting impulsively when upset. She also stated that he had destroyed the door of her home. As a result of the damage to the door, Garza faced a charge of criminal mischief, a Class A misdemeanor. He was arrested on October 28, 2024.
Outcome of the Criminal Mischief Charge
Garza’s girlfriend later requested to drop the case and no longer wished to pursue the charge, according to Ricky Sipes, a prosecutor from the Ellis County and District Attorney’s Office. The office decided not to prosecute the case in April. Despite the criminal charge being dropped, Garza still faced disciplinary action from the Dallas Police Department.
Disciplinary Action
Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux informed Garza on May 29 that he would be suspended without pay for 45 days, effective from May 30 to July 31. Garza was directed to resume his regular duties on August 1, as stated in a disciplinary memo obtained through a records request. The internal affairs investigation concluded that the allegations against Garza were sustained, finding he violated two provisions of the department’s code of conduct.
Violations of the Department’s Code of Conduct
The violations included committing acts defined as criminal and engaging in conduct that could adversely affect public respect and confidence in the department or officer. After the incident, Garza exchanged text messages with his girlfriend, apologizing for his actions and offering to pay for the door repairs. He wired $400 to her for this purpose, although the estimated cost to repair the door was $789.
Background of Officer Garza
Garza joined the Dallas Police Department in June 2022 and was assigned to the Northeast Patrol Division. He earned his peace officer license in December 2022. Notably, Garza was recognized with a police commendation award in late November for putting his safety at risk to perform his duties, despite being on administrative leave at the time.
Attempts to Reach Garza for Comment
Attempts to reach Garza for comment on the memo and the outcome of the criminal mischief case were unsuccessful. It is unclear whether he had an attorney or planned to appeal the discipline.
Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux listens a reporter’s question during a news conference at Dallas police headquarters, Friday, Aug. 29, 2025, in Dallas.
Chitose Suzuki / Staff Photographer
Text Message Exchange
The woman provided Glenn Heights police with screenshots of text messages she and Garza exchanged after October 10. In these messages, Garza apologized for the incident and asked how he could wire her money to cover the door repairs. The woman replied that they would not get back together and told him she did not want to see or communicate with him again.
A text message screenshot shows a money transfer from Dallas police officer Austin Garza, who had faced a criminal mischief charge after police say he kicked in his girlfriend’s front door while off duty on Thursday, Oct. 10, 2024. Garza offered in the messages to pay for the repairs.
Provided by Glenn Heights police
Conclusion
The incident involving Officer Austin Garza highlights the importance of police officers adhering to a high standard of conduct, both on and off duty. The disciplinary action taken against Garza demonstrates the department’s commitment to ensuring that its officers maintain the public’s trust and respect. It also underscores the need for addressing issues such as anger management and impulsivity within law enforcement to prevent similar incidents in the future.
FAQs
Q: What was Officer Austin Garza charged with after the incident?
A: Garza faced a charge of criminal mischief, a Class A misdemeanor, due to the damage caused to his girlfriend’s front door.
Q: What was the outcome of the criminal mischief charge?
A: The charge was dropped after Garza’s girlfriend asked to drop the case and no longer wished to pursue the charge.
Q: What disciplinary action was taken against Garza by the Dallas Police Department?
A: Garza received a 45-day suspension without pay, effective from May 30 to July 31, and was directed to resume his regular duties on August 1.
Q: Did Garza attempt to make amends for the damage?
A: Yes, Garza apologized for the incident and wired $400 to his girlfriend to put toward the door repairs.
Q: What is the estimated cost to repair the door?
A: The estimated cost to repair the door was $789.
Q: Was Garza recognized for any notable service despite the incident?
A: Yes, Garza was among dozens of officers recognized with a police commendation award for putting his safety at risk to perform his duties.
