LA Officer Allegedly Strikes 19-Year-Old While Intoxicated and Flees Scene, Leaving Victim Behind

A Los Angeles police officer is facing serious charges after reportedly striking a pedestrian while driving under the influence and subsequently fleeing the scene to his girlfriend’s residence, leaving the victim to perish in the street.Carlos Gonzalo Coronel, 40, has been charged with several felonies, including DUI resulting in severe bodily harm and hit-and-run causing permanent injury or death.The tragic incident occurred at 3:41 a.m. on February 1 in Tustin, California. According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office, Coronel was driving his pickup truck after a night of drinking with his brother-in-law when he hit 19-year-old Imanol Salvador Gonzalez, who was walking near an intersection.Prosecutors indicate that Coronel failed to stop or call 911, despite notable damage to his vehicle, and continued on to his girlfriend’s home. After the collision, two individuals discovered Gonzalez’s body and alerted authorities. Coronel later instructed his girlfriend to avoid the scene and even drove past the area where police were conducting an investigation without disclosing his involvement. Investigators traced debris from the collision back to Coronel’s vehicle, a black 2021 Chevrolet Silverado. His arrest occurred the day following the tragedy. Gonzalez’s grieving family has sought justice, expressing deep sorrow over losing their loved...