LAPD Sergeant Gabriel Gaxiola faces decertification after second DUI arrest while off duty

The Peace Officer Standards Accountability Advisory Board convened on January 16, 2025, to address serious misconduct allegations against LAPD Sergeant Gabriel Gaxiola, who has faced multiple DUI charges during his tenure as a peace officer. The board heard a detailed report from law enforcement consultant Robert Bridal and attorney Carrie Wooley, outlining the findings of the investigation into Gaxiola's actions.

The investigation revealed that Gaxiola was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI) while off duty on May 13, 2022, marking his second DUI incident since joining the LAPD in 1998. During the incident, Gaxiola's vehicle collided with two other cars, and he exhibited clear signs of intoxication, including slurred speech and an unsteady gait. A blood test later confirmed a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of 0.155%, significantly above the legal limit of 0.08%. Experts estimated that his BAC at the time of driving could have been as high as 0.23%.

In addition to the recent DUI, Gaxiola's first offense occurred in July 2016, when he was arrested while driving a city vehicle after consuming alcohol at a wedding. He was found to have a BAC of 0.202% during that incident, which resulted in a 22-day suspension without pay.

The board's findings concluded that Gaxiola's repeated violations of the law and the severity of his actions warranted revocation of his peace officer certification. The division emphasized the expectation for law enforcement officers to uphold high moral and ethical standards, stating that Gaxiola's behavior demonstrated a disregard for public safety.

As a result of these findings, the board recommended that Gaxiola's post certifications be revoked, reinforcing the principle that individuals in law enforcement must be held to a higher standard. The decision underscores the commitment to ensuring public trust in law enforcement agencies and the importance of accountability for officers who violate the law.