An LAPD cop who previously warned of the dangers of drunk driving has been charged with a felony DUI after a crash that left at least one person seriously injured.
Matthew Ensley allegedly had a blood alcohol level of .20, more than twice the legal limit, when he was arrested by California Highway Patrol (CHP) Sunday night.
Ensley had been off-duty when he allegedly rear-ended another vehicle on the 605 in Santa Fe Springs just before 10: 30 p.m.
Two people were injured according to CHP officer Bob Whittenberg, who told the Los Angeles Times that one person had complained of head pain and another suffered a broken arm.
It remains unclear whether Ensley was relieved of his duties following his arrest.
An LAPD spokesperson told the publication that Ensley has been arrested and his most recent duty was with the transit division.
The Post has contacted Ensley, CHP and the LAPD for comment.
The veteran cop who started at the LAPD in 2004 appeared at Bellflower Courthouse before Judge Warren Cato who discussed the beleaguered officer’s next court date.
Bill Seki, Ensley’s attorney, attempted to lower his clients $100,000 bail pointing to his close to 20 years in service and “community ties.”
“Mr. Ensley has never been involved in anything like this before,” Seki said.
Kato declined to lower the amount, telling the court that while he understood Ensley is a “respected member of the community” he “couldn’t make exceptions” because of his status as an officer.
After joining the police force in 2004 Ensley earned a reputation as a hard-working cop.
In a post to X in December 2022, from a now deleted account, Ensley appeared to chastise drunk drivers pleading for them to “please call a friend or use a ride-share service after drinking.”
The tweet has again resurfaced online since Ensley’s arrest.
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