Former Police Officer Who Fled After Drunk Driving Accident Receives Probation

A former police officer who caused a rear-end collision while driving under the influence and fled the scene was sentenced to a suspended prison term.

On the 23rd, Judge Na Sang-ah of the Criminal Division 10 at Gwangju District Court sentenced former police officer A (31), who was charged with hit-and-run causing injury under the Special Act, violation of the Road Traffic Act, and other charges, to one year in prison with a two-year suspension.

He was also ordered to perform 120 hours of community service and attend 40 hours of safe driving lectures.

A was indicted on charges of causing an accident while driving under the influence and fleeing the scene on May 4th at an intersection in Suwan-dong, Gwangsan-gu, Gwangju, while working as a patrol officer in the Mobile Unit of the Gwangju Police Agency.

While making a right turn, A collided with two vehicles, including an SUV ahead, in succession, injuring three people including the drivers of the damaged vehicles.

He did not take any measures at the scene and abandoned his vehicle on the roadside about 200 meters from the accident site before fleeing.

At the time, his blood alcohol concentration was 0.097%, exceeding the license cancellation threshold of 0.08%.

A voluntarily appeared at the police station for investigation after his uniform was found inside the abandoned vehicle, which led to his identification.

As a result, he was dismissed by the personnel committee.

The court stated, "The crime of causing an accident while driving under the influence and fleeing the scene is unfavorable considering the content and circumstances."

However, the court explained the sentencing reasoning, saying, "The victim has agreed not to seek punishment, and fortunately, the injuries were not severe," and "considering that he has only one prior conviction for a similar offense."