Four Manhattan Beach police officers are under investigation for their role in a hit-and-run Los Angeles car accident and the allegation of a cover-up in that case. According to a news report in the Daily Breeze, the incident in question occurred January 31, 2010 on Sepulveda Boulevard near Manhattan Beach Boulevard and involved three vehicles. It resulted in minor injuries, but possibly involved a drunk driver. Police officers arrived on scene, but the driver who caused the accident had left the scene. None of the victims sustained life-threatening injuries.

The damaged car, which caused the collision, was apparently driven to a gas station a short distance away and parked there. Police got to the gas station and found out that the car was registered to a Manhattan Beach police officer. No report was taken and no arrests were made.

Police Chief Launches Investigations

The investigation was apparently initiated by the Manhattan Beach police chief who learned about the DUI car accident a day later. He ordered an independent investigation by the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department and initiated an internal affairs investigation as well. The chief is asking that members of the public reserve their judgment until the results of the investigation are released on these four officers. The officer, who allegedly caused the accident, was off-duty at the time, according to the report.

This is apparently the second similar incident in the South Bay area. In September an off-duty Torrance police officer left the scene of the crash he caused while under the influence. He was not charged although he admitted he fled because his judgment was impaired by alcohol. He was let off the hook because the victim in the case "chose not to prosecute him."

DUI and Hit-and-Run Laws Apply to All

This is a deeply disturbing report. These are the people we count on to serve and protect us! I commend the chief of police for doing his job and doing the right thing -- something his subordinates possibly failed to do in this case. We all have heard about that bond of brotherhood, which all law enforcement officers share. But such cases are proof that the line between right and wrong can blur in the context of that "bond."

In this case, the intoxicated off-duty officer who caused a hit-and-run accident and injured people, should have been arrested. Another person who did the same thing would very likely have faced felony DUI and hit-and-run charges. Why was this officer let off the hook? I hope the Sheriff's Department conducts an objective investigation and ensures that justice is done for the victims who were injured in this car accident. Such cover-ups also damage the public's trust of police officers -- a trust that is earned over years and decades.

We are not representing any of the parties mentioned in this article at the time the article was posted. Our information source is cited in the article. If you were involved in this incident or a similar incident and have questions as to your rights and options, call a reputable law firm. Do not act solely upon the information provided herein. Get a consultation. The best law firms will provide a free confidential consultation to "not a fault" persons named in this article and their family members.