Amid Chief's Ongoing Legal Battle, San Leandro Taps Top Cop In The Interim

SAN LEANDRO, CA — San Leandro has appointed an interim police chief while its current head of the department continues to battle a hit-and-run charge.

San Leandro city officials announced Monday that Joseph Kreins would serve as the new police chief, effective immediately.

" Chief Kreins brings a wealth of experience and a proven record of leadership that will help ensure stability and continuity within the Police Department," San Leandro City Manager Janelle Cameron said in a statement Monday. "His commitment to accountability, community engagement, and organizational excellence aligns with the values of our organization and the expectations of our community."

The announcement comes after the city's current police chief, Angela Averiett, was placed on administrative leave last month after the Alameda County District Attorney's Office charged her with misdemeanor hit-and-run stemming from a crash in 2025.

Averiett is accused of clipping a woman's car on the freeway while driving in an unmarked police car with emergency lights on and taking off.

Nobody was injured in the crash. Averiett, meanwhile, denied knowing she had crashed into anyone and that she briefly turned on her lights and began trying to hastily get through traffic, including turning on her emergency lights, because she was experiencing chest pains.

Those pains later subsided, she told police. CHP's investigation determined Averiett was at fault for the collision.

The Alameda County District Attorney's Office says it learned of the incident this year after it received media attention around March 31.

The office then requested the CHP report of the incident and decided there was enough probable cause to charge Averiett, prosecutors said.

It's unclear how long Averiett will be on leave or whether she'll remain at the helm pending the outcome of her case.

Interim Police Chief Kreins will take over department operations and continue "advancing their work by strengthening community partnerships, supporting employee development, and promoting accountability and transparency within the department," city officials said.

Kreins has served in public safety for more than 45 years and has municipal government experience. He was previously police chief in Sausalito, Novato, and Vallejo.

"I am honored to serve the City of San Leandro during this important time," Interim Police Chief Joseph Kreins said. "I look forward to working with department personnel, City leadership, and the community to build upon the progress already underway and continue fostering trust, accountability, and excellence in public service."