Military Dentist Faces Multiple Felony Charges After Girlfriend Reports Violent Assault

Shocking Arrest Rocks San Antonio Community

A military dentist's life unraveled over the New Year holiday when San Antonio police arrested him on multiple felony charges, including aggravated sexual assault and unlawful restraint. Eric Tong, a 34-year-old dentist who previously held the rank of major, was apprehended at his home following disturbing allegations from his 21-year-old girlfriend.

Tong, who practiced at Fort Sam Houston until November of 2025, was arrested after the victim managed to seek help from the San Antonio Police Department. Law enforcement agents responded to the scene at a residence in the 100 block of Pinecrest, where they encountered the young woman, visibly marked by the alleged ordeal. The case has sent shockwaves through both the military and civilian communities, raising uncomfortable questions about professional oversight.

A Night of Terror Unfolds

According to the mother, her daughter and Tong met at a church about two months ago. The relationship moved quickly, and the two soon began living together — a decision the mother said immediately raised concerns. "I had several red flags with him," she said. What began as relationship concerns escalated into a terrifying ordeal that nearly cost a young woman her life.

The mother said an argument on Sunday night led her daughter to pack her belongings and attempt to move out. She said Tong convinced her daughter to stay the night because it was late. "She woke up to Eric slapping her, he strangled her unconscious," the mother said, adding, "For her to be sexually assaulted when she woke up. She begged him to stop, and he wouldn't. He pointed a gun at her head, and it was loaded, and he told her he could kill her right now."

The mother expressed how after her daughter texted her for help, she cleverly erased the message to keep it hidden from Tong. This act of quick thinking and bravery culminated in the phone call and subsequent arrest. The victim's courage in the face of mortal danger likely saved her life.

Professional License Under Scrutiny

According to KSAT, Tong was arrested on charges that include aggravated sexual assault, aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, assault on a family or household member impeding breath or circulation, unlawful restraint and assault causing bodily injury to a family member. Tong's dental license appears to still be active, though public records and online statements have yet to reflect changes prompted by the recent events. KSAT also reported that as of Tuesday afternoon, Tong's license with the Texas State Board of Dental Examiners was still listed as active.

The board can open its own administrative review regardless of what happens in the criminal courts. The case is already raising the uncomfortable question of what happens to a professional license when a health care provider is hit with serious criminal allegations. Patients and colleagues are left grappling with how someone in a position of trust could allegedly commit such heinous acts.

Road to Recovery and Justice

The mother said her daughter faces a long physical and emotional recovery but credited her resilience for saving her life. The young woman's survival instincts and her mother's quick response prevented what could have been an even more tragic outcome. The case will now move through the magistrate and court system. The online jail roster indicates Tong remains in custody while the magistrate process plays out.

This case highlights the critical importance of recognizing warning signs in relationships and the courage required to seek help. The victim's ability to secretly communicate with her mother while under threat demonstrates the life-saving potential of safety planning and family support networks. As the legal process unfolds, the broader implications for professional accountability and victim protection will likely resonate far beyond San Antonio's borders.