California Police Sergeant Accused of Crashing Patrol Car After Stealing Meth And Using It

A police sergeant in Fresno, California, has been charged with robbery, illegal possession of meth, and a DUI after he reportedly stole drugs from a suspect, used them, and crashed his patrol car.

“A 911 came into our dispatch center and said that a police car was driving erratically in the parking lot,” Fresno Police Chief Paco Balderrama said. “The police car was described as running over curbs and striking a tree, disabling the police car.”

The officer, identified as Donnie Dinnell, is currently on leave and is expected to be terminated soon.

Officers who arrived at the scene initially thought Dinnell

had a heart attack, but they quickly realized what happened after finding out he had just had contact with a suspect who had drugs on him.

Dinnell was given Narcan because they thought the meth he came into contact with might have contained fentanyl. Cops later discovered drugs in the car, which tested positive for meth and fentanyl, and launched an investigation.

Dinnell, a 19-year veteran to the force, confessed to taking the drugs from a female suspect, telling her he’d let her go if she gave him the narcotics. However, he later reported the incident as “unfounded” and took the drugs for himself.

Fresno County District Attorney Lisa Sondergaard Smittcamp said, “I anticipate that Sgt. Dinnell will be hopefully turning himself in and that he will be booked into the Fresno County Jail.”