San Marcos council member arrested after allegedly biting security guard

AUSTIN, Texas - A San Marcos councilman was arrested in Austin after allegedly biting a security guard during an altercation, according to an affidavit for his arrest. [KSAT 12]

A San Marcos City Council representative was taken into custody in Austin following an altercation with security personnel that resulted in serious accusations of violence. Lorenzo Gonzalez, 38, who has served on the municipal council representing District 5 since late 2022, was booked on a felony charge of assault on a public servant stemming from the Sept. 13 incident.

The confrontation occurred in the downtown Austin area near Lavaca and Third Street after police initially responded to reports of a separate assault. When officers arrived at the scene, they found that a subject had already fled after striking an individual identified as Richard in the face. While Richard was providing statements to security personnel, Gonzalez approached the security staff and engaged them in a heated exchange.

Security camera footage reviewed by law enforcement captured the escalating dispute. The video showed Gonzalez initiating an argument with the security detail before physically pushing one guard on two separate occasions. Gonzalez allegedly also struck one of the guards in the chest with his fist. When the guard pushed back in response, Gonzalez subsequently fell to the ground. As security attempted to restrain him, Gonzalez allegedly bit a guard's hand, leaving what police described as a puncture wound between the thumb and index finger with visible blood.

The charge carries enhanced penalties because it targeted a public servant, elevating what would typically be a Class A misdemeanor to a third-degree felony. Criminal defense attorney Gene Anthes noted that such cases could require up to a year for resolution and carry a theoretical sentence of two to ten years in prison, though he characterized immediate incarceration as unlikely. Gonzalez was released Monday on a $5,000 bond.

Under the San Marcos city charter, Gonzalez cannot be compelled to resign from his council seat unless formally convicted of the charges. He resumed his duties at Tuesday's council meeting despite the ongoing legal matter. His current term is scheduled to conclude in 2027.