UPDATE: A Dallas police officer has been placed on administrative leave as an urgent investigation unfolds into a fatal crash that occurred on March 15, 2023. The Dallas Police Association President, Senior Corporal Jaime Castro, was put on leave last Friday amid mounting pressure for transparency regarding the incident that left Atianna Washington dead.
The Dallas Police Department’s Internal Affairs Division is actively investigating the circumstances surrounding the tragic collision, which took place in the 2500 block of West Northwest Highway. Preliminary reports indicate that the vehicle involved remained at the scene, but crucial questions about the identity of the driver persist.
Attorney Scott Palmer, representing Washington’s family, expressed deep frustration over the lack of information being disclosed by police. “When there’s an investigation into one of their own, we typically don’t get a lot of information,” Palmer stated. He emphasized the urgency of the situation, saying, “There’s a lot of questions, very few answers. She is the victim here. She’s young. She’s no longer able to speak for herself.”
CCTV footage from the night of the incident shows Castro engaging with fellow officers at the scene. With over 26 years of service, Castro was elected president of the Dallas Police Association in January, raising concerns about potential conflicts of interest in the ongoing investigation.
Authorities have not confirmed whether the internal investigation is directly linked to the crash, nor have they identified Castro’s girlfriend, who was reportedly driving the vehicle at the time of the collision. “The crash report says it was the girlfriend,” Palmer revealed, adding that the family is desperate for answers regarding the driver’s identity.
As the investigation continues, the Dallas Police Department has not released body camera footage or incident reports related to the case, despite requests from media outlets. The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office has yet to determine if the case will be presented to a grand jury.
With emotions running high and the community demanding accountability, this developing story is critical not only for the Washington family but for the broader public who seek transparency in law enforcement actions. As the Internal Affairs investigation moves forward, residents are left wondering what answers will emerge and whether justice will be served.
Stay tuned for updates as this urgent situation develops.
