A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was arrested on suspicion of driving drunk and crashing his patrol automobile Friday evening within the Santa Clarita space, the division stated in an announcement Saturday afternoon.
Deputy Carlos Lopez went lacking for practically an hour following the crash at Pico Canyon Street and Southern Oaks Drive in Stevenson Ranch, triggering a significant legislation enforcement response, in accordance with sources who weren’t licensed to talk publicly. The Santa Clarita Valley Sign reported the deputy was discovered a short while later at his residence close by.
Lopez is a member of the division’s elite Particular Enforcement Bureau, which incorporates SWAT, sources informed The Occasions.
Lopez was taken to Henry Mayo Hospital for remedy as a result of a attainable head damage and was launched a short while later. He was arrested and launched with a quotation for a misdemeanor cost of driving below the affect, one of many sources informed The Occasions. He has been relieved of responsibility, the division stated.
The investigation started after the deputy’s patrol SUV was discovered crashed in some bushes round 9:30 p.m., in accordance with NBC4. The lacking deputy was discovered at 10:20 p.m., Deputy Brenda Serna, a division spokesperson, stated Friday evening.
The Sign quoting an nameless supply stated the deputy was on his manner residence from work. One other off-duty deputy got here to the scene and drove him residence, one of many sources informed The Occasions. It’s unclear whether or not that deputy can even face fees or self-discipline.
Serna on Friday evening had refused to offer particulars about the place the deputy was discovered, however stated the officer was aware and respiratory.
“As a result of lively investigation, we’re unable to remark additional,” the division stated in its assertion Saturday.
Lopez had a backup firearm with him on the time of the crash, a supply informed The Occasions. One other supply informed The Occasions that Lopez left his gun, telephone and SWAT gear within the automobile on the time of the crash.
Occasions reporters James Queally and Gregory Yee contributed to this report.
