Rookie SFPD Officer Faces Charges After DUI Crash Injuring Several

Michael

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Post on May 18, 2025

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Rookie SFPD Officer Faces Charges After DUI Crash Injuring Several

San Francisco, CA – A young San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) officer is facing serious charges after a suspected DUI crash left several people injured late Tuesday night. The incident has sparked outrage and raised serious questions about accountability within the department. The accident, which occurred at the intersection of Geary Boulevard and Stanyan Street, involved a marked SFPD patrol car and a civilian vehicle.

The officer, identified as 24-year-old Ricardo Hernandez, a rookie with less than a year on the force, was reportedly off-duty at the time of the incident. According to witnesses, Hernandez’s patrol car ran a red light, colliding with a Honda Civic carrying a family of four. The impact of the collision was significant, resulting in multiple injuries.

Serious Injuries and Public Outcry:

The four occupants of the Honda Civic sustained various injuries, ranging from broken bones to severe lacerations. Two adults and two children were transported to San Francisco General Hospital, where they remain under observation. The severity of their injuries has fueled public anger and calls for stricter consequences for officers involved in DUI-related incidents.

“This is unacceptable,” stated City Supervisor Aaron Peskin in a press release. “The SFPD has a responsibility to uphold the law, not break it. We need a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure justice is served.” The statement echoes the sentiment of many San Franciscans who are demanding accountability from the department.

Charges Filed and Internal Investigation Launched:

Hernandez has been charged with felony DUI causing injury, reckless driving, and several other traffic violations. He was booked into San Francisco County Jail and is currently being held on a substantial bail amount. The SFPD has launched an internal affairs investigation to determine whether departmental policies and procedures were violated. This investigation will also examine Hernandez’s training and supervision during his probationary period.

The California Highway Patrol (CHP) is leading the independent investigation into the accident, a standard procedure in such cases involving police officers. Their findings will be crucial in determining the full extent of Hernandez’s culpability and whether further charges will be filed.

Impact on Public Trust:

This incident comes at a time when public trust in law enforcement is already strained across the nation. The actions of Officer Hernandez serve as a stark reminder of the importance of holding all individuals, regardless of their profession, accountable for their actions. The outcome of this case will have significant implications not only for Officer Hernandez but also for the SFPD's reputation and its ability to maintain public trust.

Looking Ahead:

The coming weeks and months will be critical as the legal proceedings unfold. The families of the victims are seeking justice and compensation for their injuries. The SFPD will likely face intense scrutiny as the internal investigation progresses. This case underscores the need for continued efforts to improve officer training, particularly in areas such as responsible alcohol consumption and safe driving practices. We will continue to update this story as more information becomes available.

Keywords: SFPD, San Francisco Police Department, DUI, drunk driving, car accident, traffic accident, officer charged, rookie officer, Geary Boulevard, Stanyan Street, San Francisco General Hospital, felony DUI, reckless driving, internal affairs investigation, California Highway Patrol, public trust, accountability, police misconduct