A veteran Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) sergeant, Carlos Gonzalo Coronel, was arrested in connection with a tragic hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of 19-year-old Imanol Salvador Gonzalez in Tustin, California. The incident occurred early Saturday morning, February 3, 2025, near Nisson Road and Del Amo Avenue, when Coronel allegedly struck Gonzalez with his vehicle and fled the scene.
Although Coronel has not been formally charged in the hit-and-run death, Tustin police suspect that he was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash. Investigators identified the suspect vehicle as a black 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, which was registered to Coronel. He was arrested later that day when he showed up for duty at LAPD’s Newton Division.
This is not the first time Coronel has faced legal issues. On Tuesday, he pleaded guilty to violating his probation stemming from a 2011 DUI conviction. Coronel was sentenced to 30 days in jail, with credit for four days served.
The LAPD has expressed its commitment to upholding high standards of integrity and professionalism, emphasizing that officer misconduct is taken seriously and thoroughly investigated. This case marks the second fatal hit-and-run involving an LAPD officer suspected of driving under the influence within the past two months, raising concerns about officer conduct and accountability.
As the investigation into the hit-and-run continues, the Orange County District Attorney’s Office has not yet announced charges related to the fatal crash.
