SAPD officer charged with DWI after crash near downtown

Officer Phillip Lute 50 years of age 18 year veteran assigned to Downtown area Officer Phillip Lute 50 years of age 18 year veteran assigned to Downtown area Photo: San Antonio Police Department Photo: San Antonio Police Department Image 1 of / 92 Caption Close SAPD officer charged with DWI after crash near downtown 1 / 92 Back to Gallery

SAN ANTONIO — An 18-year veteran of the San Antonio Police Department was arrested for driving while intoxicated Tuesday morning following a crash near downtown.

Officers were called to the crash at Interstate 35 and GeorgeBeach Boulevard around 3 a.m. Tuesday, according to SAPD.

While working the scene officers identified one of the drivers as fellow officer Phillip Lute, 50, and determined that he showed signs of impairment, police said.

The handling officers began processing the man, who was off-duty and in his personal vehicle, for DWI and placed him under arrest.

He has been placed on administrative leave pending a full investigation.

"The case is concerning," said SAPD interim Chief Anthony Treviño. "But I'm reassured that, like the officers in this case, our officers will take immediate action in regard to officers breaking the law."

mdwilson@express-news.net

Twitter: @MDWilsonSA