Rookie SFPD officer arrested, several injured in DUI crash

Rookie SFPD officer arrested, several injured in DUI crash

Photos of the scene showed a minivan crashed against a light pole in the center median on Sunset Boulevard, with a heavily damaged sedan nearby.

SAN FRANCISCO - A rookie San Francisco Police Department officer was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence early Saturday morning following a crash in the city's Outer Sunset that left four others injured.

"I was awake at about 2am and I heard sirens," said Sunset District resident Shannon Goh.

SFPD officers responded just before 2 a.m. to the area of Sunset Boulevard and Rivera Streets on reports of the crash and found the two vehicles at the scene, according to a police department statement.

"It was pretty unbelievable to see that car wrapped around that light pole," said San Francisco District 4 Supervisor Joel Engardio. 

What we know:

Photos of the scene showed a minivan crashed against into a light pole in the center median on Sunset Boulevard, with a heavily damaged sedan nearby. Police said three people in the victim vehicle were injured, with one suffering life-threatening injuries, while two people in the other car suffered non-life-threatening injuries.

After investigating the crash, police determined that the suspect driver – later identified as 28-year-old Ryan Kwong – was "driving under the influence of alcohol" and placed him under arrest. San Franciso Sheriff's Department jail records confirmed Kwong was booked into jail just before 8:20 a.m. Saturday on suspicion of DUI causing injury and reckless driving.

The SFPD confirmed Kwong was one of 31 officers who were sworn-in by Chief Bill Scott on Thursday, and he had just entered a 16-week field-training program prior to the crash.

What they're saying:

Scott released a statement in the wake of the crash offering condolences to the injured. 

"This incident was incredibly tragic, and my heart goes out to the injured victims," Scott said. "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."

The sentiments were echoed by San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie.

"My thoughts are with those injured in this incredibly upsetting incident," Lurie said in a statement on X. "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 immediately."

"No one is above the law," said Engardio. "Whether you're on duty, off-duty, any profession, whoever you are, we all have to be accountable for being good citizens and following the law."

The San Francisco Police Officers Association also offered its sympathies while calling for accountability.

"Our hearts go out to the victims and family of this horrible tragedy, and we pray for the victims’ full recovery," said SFPOA President Tracy McCray in a statement. "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."

McCray added that the SFPOA does not provide legal representation for allegations that occur when an officer is off duty.

"If you're a brand-new graduate, I feel like that's the type of person who should be setting an example above everybody," said Gina, a Sunset District Resident. 

"I think him being a cop has significance in this, but I really think it shouldn't be happening to anyone at all," said Goh. 

Neighbors now say they're concerned about safety on these normally quiet streets. 

"I've lived in this neighborhood for 15 years, we know Sunset Boulevard to be peaceful," said Goh. "So it's kind of concerning."

"This is tragic all around. My heart goes out to the victims. This is just an avoidable accident," said Engardio. 

An investigation into the crash is ongoing, and anyone with information was asked to contact the SFPD at (415) 575-4444.