San Antonio police officer Robert Ferguson Jr. was disciplined for failing to responsibly serve the public. Credit: Shutterstock

The San Antonio Police Department has arrested one of its own after a patrol vehicle was discovered abandoned on railroad tracks near downtown with its license plates and laptop computer missing, KSAT reports.

On Monday, the department booked officer Nesta Reid, a five-year force veteran, in connection with the incident, according the TV station.

Initially, Reid told investigators he returned his cruiser to SAPD’s Central Substation on Friday, something confirmed by vehicle locator data, according to earlier reports. However, a source familiar with the incident told KSAT that investigators didn’t think the story added up.

According to the station’s latest report, SAPD determined that Reid struck a barrier while driving the vehicle, resulting in “minimal damage.” Police said the officer attempted to cover up the crash before ditching his cruiser, the station reports. 

Reid now faces charges of vehicle theft, roadway obstruction and evidence tampering, KSAT notes, citing police records.

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Sanford Nowlin is editor-in-chief of the San Antonio Current. He holds degrees from Trinity University and the University of Texas at San Antonio, and his work has been featured in Salon, Alternet, Creative...