SAPD officer suspended for 30 days for drunkenness while DJing at real estate gala

SAN ANTONIO – A San Antonio Police Department officer has been suspended 30 days after he was accused of drunkenly causing a disturbance at a real estate awards show in March where he was hired to perform as a DJ.

Officer Kristie Bush, who told officers she was playing music as DJ Kristie Rose at off-duty events, was initially given a 45-day suspension in August, according to city disciplinary records.

The suspension was shortened to 30 days after Bush met with SAPD Chief William McManus.

The incident, which occurred at the University of the Incarnate Word’s Rosenberg Sky Room on March 16, prompted officers from UIW PD and later SAPD to respond to the scene.

The UIW Police Department released an incident report and 11.5 hours of body-worn camera footage of the incident following a public records request from KSAT earlier this month.

‘I’m not going to stand here and look like a fucking criminal’

Gala attendees told police that Bush loudly interrupted the event’s host while he was giving a speech on stage.

While describing the disturbance, a UIW officer was caught on camera recording Bush cursing loudly and yelling, “Let’s party!” He was recorded as saying he shouted.

A woman who attended the event was seen on a body-worn camera saying to Bush, “I also knew you were sitting next to my son and that you were very drunk and loud.”

Bush, 32, who was hired by the owner of a real estate company to play music from 10 p.m. to midnight, told officers he played some music when attendees arrived hours early for the awards ceremony.

He repeatedly complained that he was not paid for the footage and that his contract stipulated payment before starting the set.

“Let me ask him just one thing. Do you think I can’t manage an event like this and pay you?” asked Bush, the event’s host.

A second off-duty SAPD officer, Jonathan Kavanagh, was escorted from the venue by UIW police after a heated confrontation between him, the event host and a friend of the host who told police he had been sent to find out if Bush was there. Favorable conditions for performing as a DJ.

Footage shows Kavanagh walking away from the two men as the presenter tells Kavanagh to take his hand away from his face.

SAPD officials confirmed this month that Kavanagh was not disciplined for the incident.

The host of the event, reached by phone, told KSAT that 350 people attended and that Bush was clearly drunk while waiting to perform.

He said he was contacted by a SAPD internal affairs investigator late this summer to testify, but was not informed that Bush had been suspended for the incident.

According to the footage, Bush told officers he had two alcoholic drinks, then said he had one, then said he had “a wine” but did not finish the drink.

In the footage, several UIW officers noted that Bush’s eyes were bloodshot and he was slurring his speech.

According to the footage, many people who attended the premiere told police that Bush appeared drunk.

While waiting for SAPD supervisors to arrive at the location, Bush argued with UIW police who briefly refused to allow him to go to his vehicle.

“This isn’t worth my career. All I want to do is go hit my vape. It’s not worth anything. I just want to go downstairs, go to my truck, smoke my vape. Can I please go smoke my vape?” asked Bush.

After a UIW Police Department supervisor told Bush “no,” Bush responded: “Why? I didn’t cause a disturbance. It’s not a crime.”

The supervisor later told Bush that the incident had descended into mayhem.

“I’m not going to stand here and look like a fucking criminal. You are right. You gave a very good example. That’s why we should do our duty and risk our lives instead of fucking for four hours,” Bush said before ending his comments and taking a seat near the entrance of the venue.

The footage then shows Bush being questioned by a SAPD sergeant in the back hallway of the venue.

Bush’s SAPD disciplinary documents state that after a female SAPD officer arrived at the scene with a student, Bush asked the student, “What are you looking at?” It is stated that he asked.

According to records, no one was charged following the gala incident and no criminal charges were filed in connection with the incident.

In the footage, Bush can be seen leaving the venue without performing his set.

Kavanagh was eventually allowed to return to the venue, escorted by police, and destroy Bush’s DJ equipment.

City disciplinary records show that Bush was suspended from office for infractions such as intoxicant use, discourtesy to the public/fellow employees, conduct prejudicial to good order and unfitness for duty.

Bush did not return a phone call from KSAT seeking comment for this story.

Read more reports about KSAT Investigates page.