San Francisco, CA – A newly sworn-in San Francisco Police Department (SFPD) officer faces DUI charges following a motor vehicle collision early Saturday morning. The incident,which occurred in the city’s Outer Sunset district,resulted in injuries to four other individuals,one of whom sustained life-threatening injuries.

The Incident Unfolds

Just before 2 a.m., SFPD officers responded to reports of a crash at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Rivera Street.Upon arrival, they discovered two vehicles with significant damage.According to an SFPD statement, three occupants of one vehicle were injured, with one in critical condition. Two individuals in the second vehicle sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

The Arrest and Charges

Following an investigation at the scene, authorities determined that the driver of one of the vehicles, identified as 28-year-old Ryan Kwong, was impaired. Kwong was afterward arrested and booked into San Francisco Sheriff’s Department jail at approximately 8:20 a.m. He faces charges of DUI causing injury and reckless driving.

A New Officer’s First Week

The SFPD confirmed that Kwong was among one of 31 officers who were sworn-in by Chief Bill Scott on Thursday. Prior to the crash, he had just begun a 16-week field-training program, a standard component of the SFPD’s onboarding process for new officers.

Official Reactions

The incident has prompted strong reactions from city officials and the police department.

Chief Scott’s Statement

Chief Bill Scott released a statement expressing his concern and vowing accountability:

This incident was incredibly tragic, and my heart goes out to the injured victims. We will do everything in our power to ensure justice is served in this case. No one is above the law, and our officers know they are expected to obey the law, as well as our strict code of conduct even while off duty.
Chief Bill Scott, San Francisco Police Department

Mayor Lurie’s Response

San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of upholding the law:

My thoughts are with those injured in this incredibly upsetting incident. Our police officers work hard to keep San franciscans safe, and we expect them to follow the law on and off duty-no exceptions. Thank you to the officers who responded promptly.
Mayor Daniel Lurie, City of San Francisco

Police Officers Association’s Stance

The San Francisco Police Officers Association (SFPOA) also weighed in, condemning the alleged actions and calling for accountability. Tracy McCray, SFPOA President, stated:

Our hearts go out to the victims and family of this horrible tragedy, and we pray for the victims’ full recovery. There is no excuse for drunk driving, especially for police officers. If the allegations are true, he should be held fully accountable for his actions and the harm he’s caused.
Tracy McCray, President, San Francisco Police Officers Association

McCray also clarified that the SFPOA does not provide legal representation for off-duty incidents.

Ongoing Investigation

The SFPD is actively investigating the crash. Anyone with information is urged to contact the department at 415-575-4444.