Rookie Los Angeles Police Department Officer Involved In Fatal DUI Bicycle Collision That Killed Fabio Cebreros on Christmas Eve
ONTARIO, CALIFORNIA (January 12, 2025) – A bicyclist identified as Fabio Cebreros, of Chino, has tragically died in an Ontario car accident with an allegedly intoxicated LAPD officer.
Los Angeles County officials are saying that the accident took place around 7:37 p.m. on December 24. A rookie LAPD officer hit Fabio Cebreros along Bon Biew Avenue and allegedly fled the scene before ultimately coming back to the scene.
The police officer underwent a sobriety test and was determined to be above the legal limit. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI.
Paramedics were called to the scene in order to help the victim. Fabio Cebreros was taken to the hospital with critical injuries.
Despite lifesaving measures, he was pronounced dead at the hospital. The LAPD officer involved in the crash was booked into the West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter.
But he was ultimately released on Christmas Day. There have been several incidents involving LAPD officers and alcohol in recent years.
The department has been criticized for supposedly being very lenient in handling such cases.
Liability for Los Angeles Police Department DUI Collisions
Unfortunately, alcohol abuse remains all too common among police officers in the United States. According to one study in the American Journal of Addictions, “In a large sample of urban police officers, 18.1% of males and 15.9% of females reported experiencing adverse consequences from alcohol use and 7.8 % of the sample met criteria for lifetime alcohol abuse or dependence.” There are a number of reasons that this may be the case.
- Police officers are frequently exposed to traumatic incidents and are at great risk of developing PTSD.
- Police officers are in a high-stress work environment that leads to chronic anxiety.
- Police departments have a strong culture of camaraderie. They are routinely exposed to social settings that involve alcohol consumption.
- Police officers often work irregular and odd hours. This may increase the likelihood that officers may use alcohol to fall asleep.
A police officer could be liable for any accident where they hit a pedestrian while they were intoxicated. Pursuant to California Vehicle Code 23152, it is illegal for any person to operate a motor vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.08% or higher. If a police officer was working when they hit a pedestrian, the department that they work for could be held at fault. Even if a police officer was off duty when they caused a DUI collision, their employer could still be held at fault.
If a police department was aware of an officer’s history of alcohol abuse and failed to take appropriate action, this could be construed as negligence. Consider, for example, Pena v. DePrisco, 432 F.3d 98 (2d Cir. 2005). The court held that a supervisor’s alleged encouragement of an off-duty officer’s pattern of drinking and driving could create departmental liability. It is important that certain steps are taken after any accident involving a police officer.
- Eyewitnesses should be interviewed.
- The circumstances leading up to the crash should be investigated.
- It should be determined if any intoxicated officer has a history of substance abuse known to their police department.
It can be hard to know where to begin after any accident involving a police officer. In far too many circumstances, police departments are more concerned with shielding their colleagues from accountability than actually pursuing justice. It is important that accident victims understand that they do have rights. They are able to hold police officers and powerful institutions responsible for their wrongful death claim.
Investigating Los Angeles Police Department DUI Collisions
We at the Sehat Law Firm extend our deepest condolences to the family of Fabio Cebreros. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. Any person who may have more information about what happened should speak with investigators. An outside investigation and oversight are greatly needed, especially considering the history of LAPD misconduct involving alcohol.
Do you need more information about a Los Angeles Police Department crash? Our team of civil rights attorneys is here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that police departments are held accountable for their misconduct. Whether you just have legal questions or need any type of support, we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (949) 825-5200.
Legal Disclaimer
