An LAPD sergeant found himself on the wrong side of the law after being arrested in connection with a fatal hit-and-run accident in Tustin that claimed the life of 19-year-old Imanol Salvador Gonzalez. The collision, according to NBC Los Angeles, occurred in the early hours of Saturday morning near Nisson Road and Del Amo Avenue, with the victim later pronounced dead at the scene.
The suspect, identified as 40-year-old Carlos Coronel of Buena Park, was apprehended after police traced vehicle debris found nearby to a black 2021 Chevrolet Silverado, as KTLA reported. Coronel, who was arrested just hours after the fatal incident when he reported for duty at LAPD’s Newton Division, has served with the force since 2008 and he also has a prior DUI arrest back in 2011.
The emotional toll of the incident was evident as the deceased's stepfather, Rodeo Carva, lamented to NBC Los Angeles, "Now, he's the one that took my son’s life," reflecting the family's pain.
"He is expected to remain in custody for at least the next several days during which time the OCDA’s office could potentially file charges against him for the recent fatal DUI and hit-and-run allegations," as stated by KTLA. A GoFundMe campaign has also been set up to assist the Gonzalez family with funeral expenses.
