The Amarillo Police Department (APD) has confirmed that a crash last month involving an off-duty officer is under investigation.
On June 19 around 8:20 p.m., officers responded to reports of a minor collision in the 1600 block of South Kentucky Street. According to APD, the crash involved the personal vehicle of an off-duty officer. When police arrived, they learned that those involved had already exchanged insurance information as required under the Texas Transportation Code.
No citations were issued at the scene, which APD explained was due in part to the crash occurring on private property. Officers filed a crash report and an incident report, citing witness observations.
Initially described by some as a potential hit-and-run, the situation has since drawn public attention due to the identity of the driver involved. A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request filed by High Plains Pundit revealed that the driver was Assistant Police Chief Kenneth Funtek. The incident report indicates that officers were dispatched on a call describing a hit-and-run crash involving a possibly intoxicated driver.
The report also stated that witnesses suspected Funtek may have been intoxicated at the time of the crash. One witness claimed Funtek was driving in the center lane and cut off another vehicle before the collision. Officers originally considered investigating the incident as a possible DWI, but according to the report, no DWI charge was pursued because Funtek had already left the scene by the time police arrived, and officers stated they were unable to determine if he had been intoxicated.
However, a supplement to the incident report dated July 29 notes that APD officials were later directed by their chain of command to file the DWI portion of the case.
The Amarillo Police Department issued a formal statement the same day, addressing what it described as “inaccurate reports” about the nature of the crash.
“We are aware of inaccurate reports labeling the incident as a hit-and-run. That is incorrect,” said Interim Police Chief Jimmy Johnson. “Officers responded to the scene under reports of a potential hit-and-run; however, after reviewing witness affidavits collected at the scene and conducting further investigation, they confirmed that the parties exchanged insurance information as required by the Texas Transportation Code.”
APD emphasized that the matter is now in the hands of the Potter County Attorney’s Office, which will review the case to determine whether any charges should be filed.
“Since the incident remains pending with Potter County Attorney’s Office, we will make no further comment on the case,” Johnson added. “Per departmental policy and civil service rules, we do not comment on internal personnel matters. We’re providing this statement to offer additional context and address public interest. No further comment is anticipated at the time. The Amarillo Police Department remains committed to transparency and public accountability.”
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