A California police chief has been charged with misdemeanor hit-and-run after allegedly clipping another vehicle and fleeing the scene.
San Leandro Chief of Police Angela Averiett has denied the allegations and said she had not “knowingly” left the scene of the collision, which occurred in May 2025.
“Given the minimal nature of the reported damage, a small scratch on the other vehicle side mirror, I had no indication at the time that any contact may have occurred,” Averiett said at a press conference Wednesday.
The chief has been placed on leave as of Wednesday, according to the City of San Leandro. She is due to be arraigned on June 18, according to the San Francisco Chronicle.
Prosecutors allege that Averiett collided with another woman’s car while driving an unmarked Jeep squad car on the eastbound Interstate 580, and was later stopped by officers from the California Highway Patrol.
At Wednesday’s press conference the chief acknowledged that she had her police lights on, but said she could not recall whether her siren was also on.
Averiett also claimed that she had been experiencing “a medical emergency” at the time, resulting in the need for her to exit the freeway in a hurry.
“Thankfully, the issue ultimately turned out to be a minor, though understandably unsettling, thing,” Averiett said, adding: “At the time I was focused on getting myself off the freeway safely for my own well being and for the safety of other motorists.
“I have fully cooperated with authorities throughout this process, and will continue to do so.”
The chest pains Averiett said she had experienced later subsided.
"When I accepted the responsibility of serving as the chief of police of the city of San Leandro, I understood that pursuing reform, accountability, transparency and organizational change would be, at times, difficult and unpopular," she said.
"Meaningful change can create tension, particularly when long standing practices and cultures are challenged."
While the investigation continues Assistant Chief of Police Luis Torres will serve as the acting police chief while an interim chief is found, according to the City of San Leandro.
Averiett was appointed to her position in June 2024.
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