LAPD Sergeant Charged in Tustin Fatal DUI Crash

Carlos Gonzalo Coronel, a 40-year-old Los Angeles Police Department sergeant, has been charged with felony DUI, hit-and-run causing death, and a felony enhancement for causing great bodily injury after allegedly fatally striking 19-year-old Imanol Salvador Gonzalez in Tustin, California, on February 1, 2025. Prosecutors allege that Coronel, after drinking with his brother-in-law, struck Gonzalez with his Chevrolet Silverado while Gonzalez was walking near Nisson Road and Del Amo Avenue, then fled the scene without calling 911 or rendering aid. Coronel allegedly instructed his girlfriend to avoid the crash site while driving him home and later searched online for news about the incident, even passing by the police investigation without identifying himself. Gonzalez was discovered deceased by two passersby at the scene. If convicted, Coronel faces up to six years and eight months in prison. Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer condemned Coronel's actions as a grave betrayal of public trust by a sworn officer.