Former San Francisco police officer Ryan Kwong faces 11 criminal counts after a DUI crash in the city’s Sunset District on May 17, 2025, in which he rear-ended a family’s minivan roughly a day and a half after graduating from the police academy. Three adults in the minivan were hospitalized, one with life-threatening injuries. Kwong was fired within days and pleaded not guilty at his arraignment.
What Happened in the Sunset District Crash
Around 2:00 a.m. on Saturday, May 17, 2025, Kwong, then 28, was driving a BMW near Sunset Boulevard and Rivera Street when he slammed into the rear of a minivan carrying a family.1San Francisco Police Department. SFPD Arrests Driver in DUI Injury Crash He was off duty. Police said he was speeding, and prosecutors later alleged his blood alcohol concentration was above 0.15 percent, nearly twice California’s 0.08 percent legal limit.2San Francisco Standard. Rookie Cop Fired After High-Speed DUI Crash
Three adults from the minivan were taken to a hospital. One remained in critical condition days after the collision.3ABC7 News. Former Rookie San Francisco Police Officer Makes First Appearance in Court The other two suffered non-life-threatening injuries. Kwong and a passenger in his BMW also went to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.1San Francisco Police Department. SFPD Arrests Driver in DUI Injury Crash
Two Days After the Academy
Kwong had been sworn in with the 284th San Francisco Police Academy class on Thursday, May 15, 2025, at the Scottish Rite Masonic Center on 19th Avenue. He was set to begin a 16-week field training program.4KRON4. San Francisco Police Officer Arrested for DUI Crash Two Days After Graduation By Tuesday, May 20, 2025, SFPD communications director Evan Sernoffsky confirmed that Kwong had been terminated, saying, “He is no longer employed by the department.”2San Francisco Standard. Rookie Cop Fired After High-Speed DUI Crash
The 11 Criminal Counts
On May 20, 2025, the San Francisco District Attorney’s Office filed 11 counts against Kwong in Case No. 25010654:5San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. Man Charged in Connection to Sunset District DUI Collision
- Four counts of driving under the influence of alcohol causing injury (Vehicle Code § 23153(a))
- Four counts of driving under the influence of alcohol with a 0.08% BAC causing injury (Vehicle Code § 23153(b))
- Three counts of reckless driving causing injury (Vehicle Code § 23103(a))
The complaint added aggravating allegations of excessive speed (Vehicle Code § 23582(a)), a blood alcohol concentration above 0.15 percent (Vehicle Code § 23578), and personal infliction of great bodily injury (Penal Code § 12022.7(a)).5San Francisco District Attorney’s Office. Man Charged in Connection to Sunset District DUI Collision The great bodily injury allegations covered four victims: three from the minivan and a passenger in Kwong’s own car.6NBC Bay Area. Ex-SFPD Officer DUI Crash Court Appearance
Arraignment, Plea, and Release Conditions
Kwong appeared Wednesday, May 21, 2025, at the Hall of Justice before Judge Gregory Syren. Represented by attorney Ellen Burke, he pleaded not guilty to all charges.3ABC7 News. Former Rookie San Francisco Police Officer Makes First Appearance in Court
Judge Syren granted conditional release. Kwong was ordered to wear an ankle monitor, abstain from alcohol, attend Alcoholics Anonymous meetings twice a week, undergo alcohol counseling, and install a breathalyzer ignition interlock device on his car.2San Francisco Standard. Rookie Cop Fired After High-Speed DUI Crash3ABC7 News. Former Rookie San Francisco Police Officer Makes First Appearance in Court His next hearing was set for June 4, 2025.
Where the Case Stands
The criminal case remains open. Kwong entered a not guilty plea at his May 21, 2025 arraignment and was scheduled to return to court on June 4, 2025. No plea deal, trial date, or other resolution has been publicly confirmed beyond that.