Former Dallas Police Association President Jaime Castro Leaves Department Amid Fatal Crash Probe
Jaime Castro, the former president of the Dallas Police Association (DPA) and a 27-year veteran of the force, has departed the Dallas Police Department while under internal investigation regarding a fatal off-duty crash. A department spokesperson confirmed Tuesday that Castro is ineligible for rehire due to the active status of the inquiry at the time of his exit.
Investigation and Departure
Castro’s departure follows his placement on administrative leave in November 2025. Department records indicate the move was precipitated by a “Grand Jury referral for Class A Misdemeanor,” though specific charges have not been publicly detailed. Under state regulations governing law enforcement, the internal affairs investigation remains open despite his separation from the force.
Details of the Fatal Incident
The investigation stems from a multi-vehicle collision on March 15, 2025, in the 2500 block of West Northwest Highway. The crash resulted in the death of 25-year-old pedestrian Atianna Washington, who was attempting to cross the roadway. Castro was off-duty at the time.
Defense and Counterpoints
Throughout the inquiry, significant disputes have arisen regarding the circumstances of the crash and the subsequent police response:
- Passenger Defense: Castro has maintained that he was a passenger in the vehicle, which he states was driven by his girlfriend.
- Scene Conditions: Defense representations have highlighted environmental factors, noting that the stretch of highway where Washington was struck is poorly lit and lacks a dedicated crosswalk.
- Initial Police Response: Questions have been raised about the on-scene investigation. Two responding officers, Evan Muller and Robert Wilcox Jr., were placed on administrative leave following allegations that they failed to properly investigate the crash. Specifically, sources indicate the officers did not administer field sobriety tests because they did not observe signs of impairment from the driver or Castro.
Background and Union Leadership
Castro joined the Dallas Police Department in 1998 and most recently served as a senior corporal in the alarm unit. He was elected president of the Dallas Police Association, the city’s largest police union, in January 2024.
His tenure as union leader effectively ended in December 2025, when the DPA membership voted to replace him with Sgt. Sean Pease. The leadership shakeup occurred while Castro was already on administrative leave, marking a significant shift for the organization during the ongoing scrutiny of its former president.
Neither Castro nor his attorney, John Snider, provided immediate comment regarding his departure from the department. The case remains under review by a Dallas County grand jury.
