LAPD Sergeant Arrested in Fatal Hit-and-Run Crash in Tustin
Accident and Investigation
A Los Angeles police sergeant was arrested in connection with a hit-and-run crash that killed a teenager early Saturday morning in Tustin. According to Tustin police, the crash happened at 3:57 a.m. near Nisson Road and Del Amo Avenue. When police arrived, they found 19-year-old Imanol Salvador Gonzalez down on the road. He later died at the scene, where authorities found debris from a vehicle.
Arrest of Registered Owner
Investigators identified the vehicle sought in the crime as a black 2021 Chevy Silverado crew cab pickup. They later arrested the truck’s registered owner, 40-year-old Carlos Coronel, of Buena Park. Coronel was booked into the Orange County Jail on Sunday, according to court records.
Gonzalez’s Family Mourns Loss
Gonzalez’s heartbroken family is now grappling with the loss of their eldest son. They say he was on his way home when tragedy struck less than two miles away from their house. "He just left him there on the ground," Ariana Salvador, the teen’s grieving mother, said in tears.
Coronel’s Background
Coronel, a 40-year-old sergeant with the LAPD, has a checkered past. He received a DUI charge over a decade ago, where he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in 2011. He joined the LAPD in 2008.
Reactions from Community and LAPD
The reaction from the community has been one of shock and outrage. "He’s supposed to be a public servant, keeping the criminals off the street," said Rodeo Carva, the victim’s stepfather. "Now, he’s the one that took my son’s life." Carva’s emotional plea for justice was echoed by many in the community. "My son deserves justice," he said. "But even if justice is served, it’s still not enough to bring my son back. He’s gone."
The Los Angeles Police Department issued a statement saying the agency is "committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability. We do not tolerate misconduct of any kind, and any violations of department policies or the public trust are taken seriously. All allegations of officer misconduct are thoroughly investigated, and appropriate action is taken to ensure accountability. Our commitment is to serve and protect the community with fairness, respect, and transparency."
Conclusion
The arrest of Sergeant Carlos Coronel has sent shockwaves through the community, leaving many to wonder how such a tragedy could have occurred. As the investigation continues, the family of Imanol Salvador Gonzalez can only hope for justice to be served, but know that it will never bring back their loved one.
FAQs
- What happened in the hit-and-run crash?
A 19-year-old man, Imanol Salvador Gonzalez, was killed in a hit-and-run crash in Tustin, California. - Who was arrested in connection with the crash?
Sergeant Carlos Coronel, a 40-year-old LAPD officer, was arrested and booked into the Orange County Jail. - What was Sergeant Coronel’s background?
Coronel received a DUI charge over a decade ago, where he pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs in 2011. He joined the LAPD in 2008. - What is the LAPD’s statement on the incident?
The LAPD is committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity, professionalism, and accountability, and will thoroughly investigate all allegations of officer misconduct.
