San Antonio police open probe after off-duty sergeant’s fight at youth basketball game church gym
What the videos show and where the incident happened
San Antonio police have opened an internal investigation after cellphone video captured an off-duty San Antonio Police Department (SAPD) sergeant in a physical confrontation during a girls youth basketball game at St. Matthew Catholic Church on the city’s North Side.
The incident occurred around 7 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026, inside the church gym at 10703 Wurzbach Road and continued outside the facility. The game involved teams associated with St. Matthew and St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Boerne and was described as a contest for girls under 10 years old.
In the footage, the off-duty officer—identified as Sgt. Daniel Contreras, a 31-year veteran of SAPD—appears engaged in a heated exchange with a coach during and immediately after the game. Video shows him being assessed a technical foul, then being ejected by a referee after contact with the opposing coach. Outside the gym, he is seen placing a coach or parent in a headlock and then trading punches amid a cluster of adults attempting to intervene while children can be heard crying and yelling.
Police response and why no one was arrested at the scene
SAPD confirmed officers were dispatched to the location but did not make arrests at the time. Police indicated that when responding officers arrived, there was no complainant on scene seeking to file a report, and the primary individuals involved in the physical altercation were no longer present.
Authorities advised that anyone wishing to pursue charges could file a report with police after the incident.
Administrative action and parallel investigations
SAPD has placed Contreras on administrative duty while the department reviews the incident. The internal review is expected to examine whether departmental policies were violated, including standards governing off-duty conduct.
The Archdiocese of San Antonio also opened its own inquiry after being notified of the incident on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. The basketball game was affiliated with church-based youth athletics, and the altercation unfolded in a setting intended for children’s programming.
Key verified facts at a glance
Incident location: St. Matthew Catholic Church gym, 10703 Wurzbach Road, San Antonio.
Approximate time: about 7 p.m., Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026.
Individuals involved: off-duty SAPD Sgt. Daniel Contreras; a coach and at least one parent from the opposing side; multiple bystanders intervened.
Immediate outcome: no arrests at the scene; SAPD opened an internal investigation; the officer was placed on administrative duty; the Archdiocese initiated a separate investigation.
The recordings document the dispute moving from an on-court argument and ejection to a physical confrontation outside the gym while children remained nearby.
What remains unresolved
As of Thursday, Feb. 26, 2026, it remains unclear whether any participant has filed a formal criminal complaint, whether charges will be sought, or what discipline—if any—may result from the SAPD administrative process or the Archdiocese review.