Dallas, November 22, 2025
Senior Corporal Jaime Castro, president of the Dallas Police Association, has been placed on administrative leave as the department investigates a fatal crash involving a woman who was struck while crossing the street. Castro was a passenger in the vehicle that struck the victim, raising concerns about the police department’s investigation practices and transparency. The investigation is ongoing as the community seeks answers regarding the incident and accountability from law enforcement.
Dallas Police Union Leader Placed on Leave Amid Fatal Crash Investigation
Dallas, Texas – Senior Corporal Jaime Castro, president of the Dallas Police Association, has been placed on administrative leave following an internal affairs investigation into a fatal crash he was involved in while off duty earlier this year. The incident has raised questions about the department’s handling of the case and the transparency of the investigation.
The Incident
On March 15, 2025, at approximately 10 p.m., police responded to a major accident in the 2500 block of West Northwest Highway. A woman, later identified as 25-year-old Atianna Washington, was struck and killed while attempting to cross the roadway on foot. Castro was a front-seat passenger in the Cadillac sedan that struck Washington. The impact caused the Cadillac to swerve and hit a Toyota sedan trailing behind it. Washington was transported to Parkland Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 10:43 p.m.
Internal Affairs Investigation
Ten days after the crash, the department’s Internal Affairs Division initiated an investigation into allegations that two responding officers failed to properly investigate the incident. Eight months later, on November 14, 2025, Castro was placed on administrative leave as part of this ongoing inquiry. The department has not provided specific details regarding the reasons for Castro’s leave or the findings of the investigation. A police spokesperson declined to comment on the matter, citing the ongoing nature of the internal affairs investigation.
Background on Jaime Castro
Castro, 52, has been with the Dallas Police Department since 1998 and is currently assigned to the department’s alarm unit. He was elected president of the Dallas Police Association in January 2024, after serving on its executive board since 2016. The department has not disclosed whether Castro was driving the vehicle involved in the crash or if he was present as a passenger. The identity of the driver has not been publicly released, and no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the incident.
Family’s Response
Scott Palmer, an attorney representing Washington’s family, has expressed frustration over the lack of transparency in the investigation. He stated that the family has struggled to obtain information from the police department and has many unanswered questions regarding the case. The attorney emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in such incidents to ensure justice for the victim and her family.
Department’s Response
The Dallas Police Department has not provided further details about the internal affairs investigation or the status of the two responding officers who were placed on administrative leave in March. The department has declined to comment on whether any disciplinary actions have been taken or if the officers have returned to duty. The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office has also declined to comment on the case, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Conclusion
The placement of Senior Corporal Jaime Castro on administrative leave underscores the Dallas Police Department’s commitment to transparency and accountability in the wake of critical incidents involving its officers. The department has stated that it is conducting a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fatal crash and will take appropriate actions based on the findings. The community and the family of the victim await further developments as the investigation progresses.
FAQ
- Who is Jaime Castro?
- Jaime Castro is a 52-year-old Senior Corporal with the Dallas Police Department, serving since 1998. He was elected president of the Dallas Police Association in January 2024.
- What happened in the March 15, 2025, incident?
- On March 15, 2025, at approximately 10 p.m., a fatal crash occurred in the 2500 block of West Northwest Highway, resulting in the death of 25-year-old Atianna Washington. Castro was a front-seat passenger in the vehicle involved in the incident.
- Why was Jaime Castro placed on administrative leave?
- Castro was placed on administrative leave as part of an internal affairs investigation into the department’s handling of the fatal crash. The department has not provided specific details regarding the reasons for his leave or the findings of the investigation.
- Has the driver of the vehicle been identified?
- The identity of the driver has not been publicly released, and no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the incident. The department has declined to comment on whether Castro was driving the vehicle or if he was present as a passenger.
- What is the status of the investigation?
- The internal affairs investigation is ongoing. The Dallas Police Department has declined to comment on the status of the investigation or any potential disciplinary actions. The Dallas County District Attorney’s Office has also declined to comment, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Incident Date | March 15, 2025 |
| Location | 2500 block of West Northwest Highway, Dallas, Texas |
| Victim | Atianna Washington, 25 |
| Involved Officer | Senior Corporal Jaime Castro |
| Investigation Initiation | Internal affairs investigation began 10 days after the incident |
| Administrative Leave | Castro placed on leave on November 14, 2025 |
| Driver’s Identity | Not publicly released; no charges filed |
| Investigation Status | Ongoing; no public comments from the department or district attorney’s office |
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