Police Sergeant Charged in Fatal DUI Hit-and-Run in Tustin

News Summary

A Los Angeles Police Department sergeant, Carlos Gonzalo Coronel, has been charged with felony DUI hit-and-run after allegedly causing the death of a 19-year-old pedestrian in Tustin. Following a night of drinking, Coronel drove his pickup truck, striking Imanol Salvador Gonzalez and leaving the scene without assistance. The incident has raised significant public concern and highlighted issues surrounding impaired driving and pedestrian safety. Coronel faces potential prison time if convicted, with an arraignment hearing scheduled to present formal charges.

Tustin, California

A Los Angeles Police Department sergeant has been charged with felony DUI hit-and-run following a tragic accident in Tustin that resulted in the death of a 19-year-old pedestrian. Carlos Gonzalo Coronel, 40, faces significant legal repercussions for allegedly striking Imanol Salvador Gonzalez on February 1, 2025, at approximately 3:41 a.m.

According to prosecutors, Coronel was driving his black Chevy Silverado pickup after a night of drinking with his brother-in-law when he hit Gonzalez, who was walking in the street at the time of the incident. Instead of rendering aid, Coronel reportedly left the scene without checking on the victim or contacting emergency services.

Two passersby discovered Gonzalez’s body shortly after the collision and promptly called the police. Despite significant front-end damage visible on his vehicle, Coronel did not stop or report the crash. Instead, he was driven home by his girlfriend, during which he reportedly instructed her to avoid the area where the crash occurred.

In a further development, Coronel was alleged to have driven past the crime scene while authorities were investigating Gonzalez’s death without notifying them of his involvement. In the hours following the crash, it was reported that he searched online for news related to fatal hit-and-run incidents in Tustin.

Coronel now faces additional legal challenges with a felony enhancement for causing great bodily injury. This comes in light of a previous DUI conviction from 2011, for which he did not complete the mandated community service. If convicted on all current charges, including the DUI and hit-and-run, Coronel could face up to six years and eight months in prison.

Upcoming Legal Proceedings

An arraignment hearing has been scheduled for June 27 in Orange County Superior Court, where the charges against Coronel will be formally presented. The case has ignited significant public attention and prompted statements from local authorities emphasizing the gravity of the situation.

Orange County District Attorney Todd Spitzer has condemned Coronel’s actions as “unconscionable,” highlighting the devastating impact on Gonzalez’s family and the community at large. The fatal incident draws attention not only to the specific tragedy of Gonzalez’s death but also to broader issues of accountability for impaired driving.

Context of the Incident

This incident is part of a larger issue surrounding alcohol-related incidents and pedestrian safety on California roads. Authorities often reinforce the need for responsible drinking and the importance of adhering to traffic laws to prevent future tragedies. Gonzales’s death serves as a stark reminder of the consequences that can arise from reckless behavior and the responsibility drivers have to protect all road users.

As legal proceedings unfold, the case will likely continue to draw focus from both the community and advocates for safer driving practices, reinforcing the importance of making responsible choices on the road.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Man Found Guilty in Fatal DUI Crash
Man Charged with Second-Degree Murder After Boy’s Death in Collision

Additional Resources

• Desert Sun
• Sacramento Bee
• Patch
• ABC7
• Los Angeles Times
• Google Search: LAPD sergeant charged hit-and-run Tustin