Rookie SFPD Officer's DUI Crash Leaves Multiple Injured, Leads To Arrest

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Post on May 18, 2025

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Rookie SFPD Officer's DUI Crash Leaves Multiple Injured, Leads to Arrest

San Francisco, CA – A shocking incident involving a rookie San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) officer has left several individuals injured and sparked outrage within the community. Early Tuesday morning, Officer David Chen, a recent graduate of the SFPD academy, was involved in a serious DUI-related car accident at the intersection of Geary Boulevard and Stanyan Street. The crash involved three vehicles and resulted in multiple hospitalizations.

The incident, which occurred around 2:00 AM, involved Officer Chen's department-issued vehicle. According to witnesses, Chen's vehicle ran a red light, colliding with a Honda Civic carrying a family of four and a taxi carrying two passengers. The impact was severe, causing significant damage to all three vehicles.

Emergency responders arrived promptly, transporting all involved to nearby hospitals. While initial reports suggested serious injuries, the extent of the injuries is still being assessed. The family in the Honda Civic suffered broken bones and potential head trauma, while the taxi passengers sustained various contusions and lacerations. Officer Chen sustained minor injuries.

Charges Filed, Career in Jeopardy

Following a thorough investigation, which included blood alcohol content (BAC) testing, Officer Chen was arrested and charged with felony DUI causing injury, reckless driving, and violating traffic laws. He faces significant jail time and potential loss of his job. The SFPD has released a statement expressing their deep concern and regret regarding the incident, emphasizing their commitment to holding officers accountable for their actions. "This is a deeply troubling event," stated Chief William Scott in a press conference. "The actions of this officer do not reflect the values of the San Francisco Police Department. We are fully cooperating with the investigation and will take appropriate disciplinary action."

Community Outrage and Calls for Reform

The accident has ignited a firestorm of criticism and calls for stricter accountability within the SFPD. Many residents are demanding a thorough review of the department's training programs and policies regarding alcohol consumption and driving. The incident comes at a time when the SFPD is already facing scrutiny over various issues, including police brutality and excessive force. Community activists are planning protests and demanding significant reform to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.

The Road Ahead: Investigation and Legal Proceedings

The investigation into the crash is ongoing, with detectives analyzing evidence collected from the scene, including dashcam footage and witness testimonies. Officer Chen is currently being held in San Francisco County Jail pending his arraignment. His legal team has yet to release a statement. The families of those injured are expected to file civil lawsuits against both Officer Chen and the SFPD. This incident serves as a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of drunk driving and highlights the importance of responsible behavior, especially for those entrusted with upholding the law.

Further information and updates will be provided as they become available. Please check back for further updates.

Keywords: SFPD, San Francisco Police Department, DUI, drunk driving, car crash, Officer David Chen, reckless driving, felony charges, injuries, hospitalizations, community outrage, police accountability, investigation, legal proceedings, Geary Boulevard, Stanyan Street