Dallas police officer arrested while off-duty, officials say

 

According to DPD officials, Officer Austin Garza, who serves with the department, was arrested for Criminal Mischief.

DALLAS — A Dallas police officer was arrested Monday for a misdemeanor charge, according to the Dallas Police Department.

In a statement, DPD confirmed Officer Austin Garza was arrested for a warrant out of the Glenn Heights Police Department. DPD said Garza was off-duty at the time of the alleged offense. 

The Dallas Police Department did not elaborate on what exact crimes Officer Garza allegedly committed, but he has been charged with Criminal Mischief. Under Texas law, criminal mischief is defined as intentionally or recklessly damaging or destroying someone else’s property without their effective consent.

Garza has served with the department since June 2022 and is assigned to the Northeast Patrol Division, according to DPD.

The department said Garza is on administrative leave pending an Internal Affairs investigation.