A police officer in San Antonio, Texas could be allowed to return to work despite being arrested last year for allegedly hitting his wife with a gun, then pointing it at their children, KENS-TV reported.
Daniel Lopez originally faced charges of deadly conduct and first-degree felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon when he was arrested in July 2013. But prosecutors in Bexar County reached an agreement allowing him to plead no contest to a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge, serve one day of probation and pay a $100 fine.
Lopez had been stripped of his service weapon -- and placed on administrative leave -- a month earlier, after firing it inside his home. He was arrested after a 20-minute standoff with his fellow officers and kept on leave.
"As the investigation went on, and we began to interview the family members, their stories began to change somewhat," Assistant District Attorney Woodrow Halstead told KENS. "They were not cooperative with our office."
Lopez's plea deal removed any reference to violence against his family or a gun, and he pleaded no contest to "making an obscene gesture."
The agreement also allowed him to retain his state license to work as a peace officer, making him eligible to return to work in San Antonio. He would also be allowed to seek work with another department if Interim Police Chief Anthony Trevino terminates his employment.
"We're aware of the state of the current case and are weighing all facts in considering administrative action," the department said in a statement.
However, Halstead said that based on the evidence in reports regarding Lopez's behavior, he "would have definite concerns about him remaining on the police force."
Watch KENS' report, as aired on Wednesday, below.
[h/t The Free Thought Project]
