A Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputy was arrested on suspicion of driving drunk and crashing his patrol automobile Friday night time 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 Highway and Southern Oaks Drive in Stevenson Ranch, triggering a significant legislation enforcement response, based on sources who weren’t licensed to talk publicly. The Santa Clarita Valley Sign reported the deputy was discovered a short while later at his dwelling close by.
Lopez is a member of the division’s elite Particular Enforcement Bureau, which incorporates SWAT, sources advised The Occasions.
Lopez was taken to Henry Mayo Hospital for remedy on account of a attainable head harm 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 advised 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., based on NBC4. The lacking deputy was discovered at 10:20 p.m., Deputy Brenda Serna, a division spokesperson, stated Friday night time.
The Sign quoting an nameless supply stated the deputy was on his method dwelling from work. One other off-duty deputy got here to the scene and drove him dwelling, one of many sources advised The Occasions. It’s unclear whether or not that deputy may even face costs or self-discipline.
Serna on Friday night time had refused to offer particulars about the place the deputy was discovered, however stated the officer was aware and respiratory.
“Because of the energetic 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 advised The Occasions. One other supply advised 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.
