

Police claim the hit-and-run crash that killed Officer Roberto Sanchez, 32, on Saturday, May 3 was intentional and the suspect has been charged with murder.

Sanchez and his partner, Officer Richard Medina, made a U-turn to follow a driver in a Chevy Camaro when they were T-boned by Mynor Enrique Varela, 20, in a Chevy Tahoe SUV. Varela then fled the scene. Medina has since been released from the hospital.

LAPD Chief Charlie Beck and L.A. County District Attorney Jackie Lacey stated in a press conference this morning that their investigation has led them to believe Varela rammed into the officers’ car intentionally in an effort to help his friend in the Camaro evade them.

Varela has been charged with one count of murder, among other charges. Varela’s brother, Bryan Varela, 19, will also be charged for leaving the scene of the crime, as he was a passenger in the Tahoe.

According to KTLA, neighbors near the scene heard the two cars driving recklessly - speeding and ‘doing donuts’ - before the officers arrived.

