Assistant chief in Durham, North Carolina, charged after early‑morning collision
An assistant police chief in Durham, North Carolina, has been charged with a misdemeanor hit‑and‑run and placed on administrative leave after he allegedly struck another vehicle on the interstate and did not remain on scene.
According to a State Highway Patrol collision report, Raul Garcia, 47, is accused of sideswiping a 2016 Honda on Interstate 540 at 1:38am on Friday. The collision is reported to have caused $3,500 of damage to the Honda; Garcia’s city‑owned 2021 Dodge was estimated to have sustained $1,000 of damage.
Garcia was charged with a misdemeanor hit‑and‑run causing property damage and failure to report an accident, and was also cited for failing to maintain lane control, court records show. The Honda driver came to a stop in the median and called law enforcement, while the assistant chief allegedly failed to stop and remain on the scene.
- Time and place: 1:38am on Interstate 540, Wake County.
- Charges: Misdemeanor hit‑and‑run causing property damage; failure to report an accident; citation for failing to maintain lane control.
- Vehicle damage: Honda estimated $3,500; city‑owned 2021 Dodge estimated $1,000.
“As is standard protocol, Garcia is on administrative leave.”
The Durham Police Department confirmed to ABC11, the News & Observer’s newsgathering partner, that it is aware of the allegations. Durham Mayor Leo Williams told ABC11 that, “as is standard protocol, Garcia is on administrative leave.”
The initial report and subsequent charging information come from local North Carolina court records and the State Highway Patrol collision report. The News & Observer first published the account, which was shared by the local TV partner ABC11.
Questions of public trust and the local policing response
When an on‑duty senior officer is accused of leaving the scene of an accident there are immediate questions for the force and the community about procedure and oversight. The department’s decision to place the officer on administrative leave follows what the mayor characterised as routine protocol; the move will allow an internal review and any further investigation to proceed without the officer performing normal duties.
For residents watching from this side of the Atlantic: this incident took place in Durham, North Carolina, within Wake County, and involves a senior officer in that US city’s police department. The story was reported by the News & Observer and ABC11 based on patrol and court documents.
Details at a glance
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Officer | Raul Garcia, 47, assistant police chief |
| Location | Interstate 540, Wake County, Durham, North Carolina |
| Time | 1:38am, Friday |
| Charges | Misdemeanor hit‑and‑run causing property damage; failure to report an accident; citation for failing to maintain lane control |
| Estimated damage | Honda: $3,500; city vehicle (2021 Dodge): $1,000 |
| Current status | Placed on administrative leave |
The case is a reminder that allegations involving law‑enforcement personnel are subject to both criminal process and departmental review. Any further developments — including court appearances, internal disciplinary hearings or additional statements from the Durham Police Department or Mayor’s office — will determine the next steps and the longer‑term consequences for the officer involved.
Local readers should note this coverage relates to the city of Durham in North Carolina. WE NEWS will follow the story through official updates from the Durham Police Department, Wake County court records and reporting from regional news partners.
