
ORANGE COUNTY, CA – A sergeant with the Los Angeles Police Department has been arrested in connection with a fatal hit and run in Orange County.
Carlos Coronel, 40 years old, is accused of striking and killing 19-year-old Imanol “Manny” Gonzalez in a crash on February 1.
The Tustin Police Department responded to the scene around 4 a.m. at Nisson Road and Del Amo Avenue, where they found Gonzalez dead in the roadway. Vehicle debris reportedly suggested a hit-and-run, and Coronel’s black 2021 Chevrolet Silverado was later identified as the suspect vehicle.
Coronel, an LAPD officer since 2008, was arrested later that morning when he showed up for duty at the Newton Division. He had a prior DUI arrest in 2011, though no charges related to the fatal crash have been filed yet. Coronel appeared in court on Tuesday for a probation violation linked to his earlier DUI case.
LAPD officials said they take allegations of officer misconduct seriously and will ensure accountability through a thorough investigation.
In a statement to news agency KTLA, the LAPD said: “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.”
A GoFundMe page has been created to help with Imanol’s funeral expenses.