A Los Angeles Police Department detective was charged Friday with an off-duty hit-and-run stemming from a crash on the Golden State (5) Freeway one year ago.
Detective Stephanie Carrillo was driving an unmarked police vehicle on May 3, 2023, when she “allegedly rear-ended a civilian’s vehicle causing damage,” Los Angeles County District Attorney George Gascón said in a statement.
“While Carrillo and the victim were pulled over following the crash, Carrillo allegedly returned to her vehicle and fled the scene,” according to the district attorney.
Carrillo, 47, was charged with one misdemeanor count of hit-and-run driving resulting in property damage. She is scheduled to be arraigned May 22 in downtown Los Angeles. If convicted as charged, Carrillo faces up to six months in county jail, Gascón’s office said.
Later on the day of the incident, Carrillo went to the California Highway Patrol San Juan Capistrano station in Orange County where she filed a report that she had been involved in a hit-and-run incident, Gascón said.
“Irresponsible and unlawful behavior by law enforcement as allegedly exhibited by Officer Carrillo not only violates public trust but goes against the oath taken by law enforcement to keep the public safe,” Gascón said in a statement.
“Police officers have a fundamental duty to act with honesty and integrity. Our office will not tolerate conduct that jeopardizes public safety and fails to conform to the minimum standard of law-abidance expected of officers of the law.”
According to the LAPD, Carrillo — a 24-year department veteran who was assigned to the Force Investigation Division — has been relieved of her police powers pending the resolution of an Internal Affairs Division administrative investigation.
“With the oversight of the Inspector General, the department will ensure administrative accountability in this matter,” according to the department.