Bay Area cop choked son after he didn’t eat breakfast fast enough: prosecutors

A Bay Area cop allegedly choked his son by the neck after he didn’t eat his breakfast within a designated time limit, Alameda County prosecutors claimed.

San Mateo County Sheriff’s Deputy Steven Romero allegedly attacked his five-year-old son at his Livermore home in March after he didn’t eat his breakfast within 15 minutes.

When the young child didn’t jump fast enough, Romero allegedly choked his son by the mouth and neck before dragging him into his room by the ear.

The boy was later taken to a hospital, where a doctor concluded that the injuries, including bruising to his ear, constituted physical abuse.

Romero and the child’s stepmother had been caring for the child at the time.

The Alameda County District Attorney’s Office charged Romero with felony child abuse. He had been on leave from the sheriff’s office since April 2025 at the time. The sheriff’s office said they are aware of the allegations and have launched an internal investigation.

“During Mr. Romero’s leave, criminal allegations were brought to the attention of the San Mateo County Sheriff’s Office,” the agency told KTVU. “The alleged conduct occurred off duty in Alameda County while Mr. Romero was on leave, which remains ongoing.”

Neighbors in the area spoken to by KTVU expressed shock at the allegations, describing Romero as a friendly family man.

The neighbors said they had seen Romero walk down the street with his children, and the family appeared to be a loving family with no obvious signs of toxicity.

Court records say that Romero’s team has asked for a mental health diversion, but the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office has opposed the effort. Records obtained by KTVU show that the deputy had been treated at a specialized recovery program for first responders since June.

His diagnosis at the program included alcohol and cannabis use disorders, PTSD, and major depression.

A pre-trial hearing in the case is scheduled for Sept. 15.

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