FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

ARREST WARRANT ISSUED IN CHILD ENDANGERMENT CASE

San Antonio, Texas: May 27, 2010

This afternoon the San Antonio Police Department working in conjunction with the Bexar County District Attorney’s Office obtained a warrant from a Bexar County Magistrate for the arrest of Luis Alcantar, age 50, on the felony charge of Endangering a Child. The charge arises from an incident last night in which a witness reported a toddler walking in a roadway. A responding officer encountered a witness who had been caring for the child while waiting for police. The officer then encountered Alcantar who was allegedly extremely intoxicated. The officer also found another approximately one year old child in the apartment occupied by Alcantar. Alcantar was then arrested for Public Intoxication and Endangering a Child. The felony charge was rejected at the magistration stage after it was determined that at that time there was insufficient evidence establishing the legal requirement that Alcantar had a legal duty to care for the children. Under Texas law, a person is not responsible for the welfare of a child unless there is a parental relationship or the person has voluntarily assumed the duty of care, custody, and control of the child.

As is routine, the San Antonio Police Department promptly assigned detectives to investigate the case. After gathering additional information and obtaining witness statements, it is alleged that there is now sufficient evidence to arrest and charge Alcantar. The investigation is continuing as to whether charges should be filed against additional persons.

The children were taken to the San Antonio Children’s Shelter and are now in the care of their natural father. Child Protective Services is investigating.

Endangering a Child is a State Jail Felony punishable by up to two years confinement in a state jail facility and up to a $10,000 fine.

For more information, contact Cliff Herberg, First Assistant Criminal District Attorney, at 335-2342.