Chief Claims Recklessness by Detective

San Diego Police Chief William B. Kolender recommended Tuesday that a charge of reckless driving causing injury to others be filed against an undercover detective who destroyed a city-owned automobile last month.

Detective Jesse R. Almos, 38, remains at UC San Diego Medical Center with multiple fractures three weeks after he crashed into a telephone pole at 13th Avenue and L Street on the evening of Jan. 25, injuring himself and three other officers. The others suffered minor injuries and were released the following day.

Assistant Police Chief Bob Burgreen said Tuesday that the department’s recommendation for misdemeanor prosecution follows the completion of an internal investigation that could find no justification for Almos’ driving up to 65 m.p.h. in a 25 m.p.h. zone and for running four stop signs.

“We can find no reason such as going to a radio call or pursuing another vehicle,” Burgreen said.

Almos and his passengers, all undercover narcotics officers off duty, were en route to the Southeast San Diego substation to get their own cars when the accident occurred, Burgreen said. Almos had met the three at PJ’s Warehouse Restaurant and Lounge and offered to take them to the substation, Burgreen said. Tests of Almos’ blood showed an alcohol level of 0.02%, far below the 0.10% level at which a driver is legally judged to be under the influence of alcohol.

According to Burgreen, the other officers were innocent passengers and had no idea why Almos, right after starting the car, accelerated and wound up wrapped around the telephone pole. The other officers were not recommended for any criminal prosecution and will not be subject to administrative discipline.

Burgreen said that Almos, however, will face administrative action, apart from any criminal charges. Internal police discipline could range from a warning to termination, Burgreen said. He said that any such action would probably depend on the district attorney’s decision whether to follow Kolender’s recommendation and file a reckless driving charge.

The district attorney’s decision could come as soon as this week, spokesman Steve Casey said Tuesday. Casey said a deputy district attorney will begin reviewing the police reports today and make a determination as soon as possible.

Almos has retained an attorney and was advised to make no statement to police investigators, Burgreen said. Almos is now on a one-year disability leave, having suffered injuries to his pelvis, compound fractures in both legs, and various internal injuries.

Burgreen said he could recall no previous case involving reckless driving by an officer.