A Los Angeles police sergeant is now behind bars following a hit-and-run incident that claimed the life of a 19-year-old man in Tustin.
Authorities say Carlos Gonzalo Coronel, a resident of Buena Park, was arrested Sunday and booked into the Orange County Jail. He is accused of striking and killing Imanol Salvador Gonzalez, 19, of Santa Ana just before 4 a.m. Saturday near Nisson Road and Del Amo Avenue.
Tustin police responded to a report of a “person down in the roadway” and discovered Gonzalez, along with evidence pointing to a hit-and-run. Investigators identified the suspect’s vehicle as a black 2021 Chevrolet Silverado crew cab pickup, registered to Coronel.
“During the investigation, a black 2021 Chevrolet Silverado crew cab pickup truck was identified as the suspect vehicle,” Tustin PD said. “The registered owner of the vehicle, later identified as 40-year-old Carlos Coronel of Buena Park, was arrested and booked into the Orange County Jail.”
Adding to the controversy, court records reveal that Coronel has a history of driving offenses. He previously pleaded no contest to a DUI charge in 2011 but failed to complete his court-ordered community service, leading to a probation violation. He was due in court Tuesday afternoon regarding that violation.
“The Los Angeles Police Department 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,” LAPD said in a statement.
This tragic case raises serious concerns about accountability and law enforcement integrity as the investigation continues.
