Detective Arrested After Hitting Stalled Vehicle

A Los Angeles police detective has been arrested on suspicion of drunk driving following an off-duty car accident that left a 19-year-old critically injured, the California Highway Patrol reported Friday.

James A. Reyes, 35, a North Hollywood division officer for 10 years, was arrested about 3:20 a.m. Thursday after his car smashed into the rear of a disabled sedan on the northbound Golden State Freeway, causing the car to catch fire.

Samuel Yamada of Valencia was taken to Providence Holy Cross Medical Center in Mission Hills, then transferred to the burn unit of County-USC Medical Center, where he was listed in critical condition Friday.

Yamada suffered second- and third-degree burns on more than 40% of his body, a hospital spokeswoman said.

Reyes was treated for a forehead cut at Providence Holy Cross. He has not been suspended from duty, but has been placed on paid leave, said a Los Angeles Police Department spokesman.

Yamada’s car was stopped in the second lane of the Golden State Freeway just north of the Hollywood Freeway when Reyes’ car hit it, said Sgt. Ernie Sanchez of the CHP, which is investigating the accident.

Officers at the scene arrested Reyes because he appeared to be under the influence of alcohol, Sanchez said. Reyes agreed to take a blood test. Police are waiting for those results, Sanchez said.

The LAPD is conducting an internal investigation of the accident, according to an LAPD spokesman. An LAPD officer cannot be suspended until charges are brought before a board of rights, said David Gascon, chief of staff for the chief of police.

“We do not tolerate criminal acts by police officers,” said Deputy Chief Michael Bostic, chief of operations for the LAPD Valley Bureau.

Reyes was being held at Van Nuys Jail in lieu of $50,000 bail.