North Carolina Police Chief Placed on Leave After Crash

NORTH CAROLINA: (News Desk) – A senior police official in North Carolina has been placed on paid administrative leave after being cited over an alleged hit-and-run crash on Interstate 540.

Assistant Police Chief Raul Garcia was reportedly driving a City of Durham vehicle when it moved into an adjacent lane and collided with another vehicle, according to a collision report from the North Carolina State Highway Patrol.

The report states that Garcia’s vehicle did not stop at the scene and continued driving following the collision. No serious injuries were reported in the incident.

Authorities later located Garcia at his home in Apex. He was issued citations for alleged hit-and-run, leaving the scene of a crash, failing to report an accident and failing to maintain his lane.

The vehicle involved in the crash was owned by the City of Durham.

Following the incident, Garcia was placed on paid administrative leave as the investigation continues. Officials said such leave is a standard procedure while allegations involving an employee are being investigated.

The North Carolina State Highway Patrol is handling the investigation. Garcia is a senior law enforcement official who serves as an assistant chief with responsibility for field operations.

The allegations against Garcia have not been proven in court. The investigation remains ongoing, and any further legal or disciplinary action will depend on the findings of authorities and the outcome of the legal process.