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San Leandro Installs Interim Police Chief After Hit-and-Run Charge Against Chief

The city named a longtime police leader to maintain stability during the Alameda County prosecution of a misdemeanor hit-and-run case.

Overview

  • City Manager Janelle T. Cameron on Monday appointed Joseph Kreins as interim police chief to replace Assistant Chief Luis Torres and provide continuity for the San Leandro Police Department.
  • Chief Angela Averiett was placed on paid administrative leave after the Alameda County district attorney filed a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge against her in mid-May.
  • The charge traces to a May 19, 2025 freeway collision on eastbound I-580 in which the CHP concluded Averiett’s unmarked vehicle made an unsafe turning movement and clipped another car’s mirror.
  • Averiett says she did not knowingly leave the scene, that she believed she was having a medical emergency at the time, and that she intends to defend herself; she is scheduled to be arraigned Thursday at the East County Hall of Justice.
  • Prosecutors say they filed charges after reviewing CHP investigative documents requested following media reporting, a step that highlights how news coverage can prompt official review and leaves potential penalties of up to six months in county jail and a $1,000 fine.