A Bay Area police chief is facing hit-and-run charges after she allegedly sideswiped a family’s vehicle on the highway before driving off, later insisting she was dealing with a possible medical emergency.

The Alameda County District Attorney announced charges this week against San Leandro Police Chief Angela Averiett, who was placed on administrative leave Wednesday after speaking publicly about the incident and defending her actions.

“I am aware that a misdemeanor charge has been filed related to a traffic incident that occurred in May of 2025,” she said during a press conference . “I was driving an unmarked police vehicle on Interstate 580 when contact was allegedly made with another vehicle.…