Kennewick Officer Arrested for Suspected DUI After Crash; Internal Investigation Underway

KENNEWICK, Wash. — June 19, 2025 — A Kennewick Police Department (KPD) officer is facing serious legal and professional consequences following his arrest for suspected DUI after a crash late Wednesday night.

The incident occurred around 9:48 p.m. on June 18 in the 1000 block of North Montana Street, when KPD officers responded to reports of a vehicle collision. Upon arrival, officers discovered that the driver of a vehicle had struck an unoccupied parked car. Fortunately, no one was injured in the incident.

To the surprise of many, the driver was identified as  Fernando Ramos, an off-duty officer with the Kennewick Police Department. According to KPD, responding officers observed signs of possible impairment and, following standard protocol in cases involving one of their own, they immediately contacted the Benton County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) to handle the investigation independently.

Deputies from BCSO arrived on scene and conducted a preliminary assessment, ultimately determining there was sufficient cause to arrest Ramos on suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). He was transported to and booked into the Benton County Jail late Wednesday night.

The Kennewick Police Department released a public statement shortly after the arrest, acknowledging the incident and assuring the community that it is taking the matter seriously.

“We are aware of the incident involving Officer Fernando Ramos and have requested an outside agency to ensure transparency and impartiality,” said a spokesperson for KPD. “An internal investigation will be conducted to evaluate potential violations of departmental policy and professional standards. As always, we are committed to maintaining public trust and accountability.”

Officer Ramos’ current duty status was not immediately disclosed, and it remains unclear whether he has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigations.

This arrest adds to the broader conversation around law enforcement accountability, particularly in cases where officers are alleged to have broken the laws they are sworn to uphold. In recent years, police departments across the country have come under increasing pressure to respond swiftly and transparently to allegations of misconduct within their ranks.

Local residents expressed a mix of disappointment and appreciation for how the situation was handled. Some noted that while the incident is troubling, the department’s decision to involve an outside agency demonstrates a step toward greater transparency.

BCSO has not released further details regarding the results of Ramos’ sobriety tests or whether any charges have been formally filed with the Benton County Prosecutor’s Office.

As the internal investigation moves forward, the community will be watching closely to see how the Kennewick Police Department manages both the legal and disciplinary aspects of this case.