Two Dallas Police officers are on administrative leave while the department conducts an internal affairs investigation into their actions at the scene of a fatality.
DALLAS — The Dallas Police Department has opened an internal affairs investigation into the conduct of two officers who responded to a deadly crash earlier this month.
The incident happened around 1 a.m. on March 15, when Atianna Washington was struck by a vehicle in the 2500 block of Northwest Highway. Sources described the area as poorly lit, with no crosswalks. Washington later died at the hospital.
Multiple sources told WFAA the vehicle that hit Washington was driven by the girlfriend of Jaime Castro, president of the Dallas Police Association. Castro was reportedly in the passenger seat at the time.
Interim Police Chief Mike Igo has placed two officers who worked the incident on administrative leave pending the outcome of the internal affairs probe.
The attorney for the Dallas Police Association President, John Snider, sent WFAA the following statement:
“The loss of a life in this accident was tragic, and deepest condolences go out to the family. Accident investigators received full cooperation during all phases of the investigation, and it is fully expected that the department’s review will determine that all procedures and protocols were followed in a professional manner.”
According to sources, one of the officers on leave is assigned to the DWI unit, while the other serves in the department’s traffic division. Neither officer administered a breathalyzer or asked the driver if she had been drinking, sources say.
Department policy does not require officers to test drivers for drugs or alcohol unless they suspect impairment. Sources say the officers on scene did not believe the driver was under the influence.
Still, questions remain about the handling of the investigation — and whether Castro’s presence influenced the officers’ decisions.
“She was beautiful and full of life,” said Washington’s mother, Mindi Crapo, in a statement to WFAA. “I pray that the Dallas Police Department conducts a complete and fair investigation into her death. I thank Chief Igo for launching an investigation.”
