Baywatch Star David Charvet Accused of Hit-and-Run After Striking and Killing Dog

The legal line between a tragic accident and a criminal hit-and-run often comes down to the timing and method of reporting.

Apr. 16, 2026 at 9:12pm

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An extreme close-up of a shattered car sensor lens reflecting a faint red light, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a collision with a pet.A recent wave of targeted street incidents involving self-driving cars exposes pent-up frustration with autonomous vehicle technology.Malibu Today

When a vehicle strikes an animal, the legal line between a tragic accident and a criminal hit-and-run often comes down to the timing and method of reporting. In the case of the collision that killed an 11-year-old white English Labrador named Sunday, the pet owner, Vera Errico, initially sought to file a hit-and-run report because the driver did not stop immediately after the impact. However, law enforcement sources indicated that the incident was not considered a hit-and-run because the driver, 'Baywatch' alum David Charvet, called authorities after the event occurred.

Why it matters

The tension between a victim's perception and police procedure is evident when a driver leaves the immediate area but still notifies the police. While pet owners may feel abandoned at the scene, the legal requirement to report accidents resulting in injury or property damage can be satisfied through a phone call to dispatch. This dynamic suggests a trend where the 'intent to report' may outweigh the 'requirement to remain' in certain jurisdictions, leading to outcomes where drivers are cleared of criminal wrongdoing despite the severity of the loss.

The details

In the case of the collision that killed an 11-year-old white English Labrador named Sunday, the pet owner, Vera Errico, initially sought to file a hit-and-run report because the driver did not stop immediately after the impact. However, law enforcement sources indicated that the incident was not considered a hit-and-run because the driver, David Charvet, called authorities after the event occurred. A recurring conflict in residential traffic accidents is the dispute over whether a pet was leashed. In the Malibu incident, Vera Errico stated her three dogs were on leashes at the time of the collision, while David Charvet claimed the dog was not on a leash and that he attempted to swerve to avoid the animal.

  • The incident occurred in Malibu, California.
  • The dog, named Sunday, was an 11-year-old white English Labrador.

The players

Vera Errico

The owner of the dog that was struck and killed in the incident.

David Charvet

The 'Baywatch' actor accused of the hit-and-run incident that killed Errico's dog.

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What they’re saying

“Vera Errico stated her three dogs were on leashes at the time of the collision.”

— Vera Errico, Pet Owner

“David Charvet claimed the dog was not on a leash and that he attempted to swerve to avoid the animal.”

— David Charvet

What’s next

The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities will likely continue to gather evidence and statements from the involved parties to determine the exact circumstances and potential liability.

The takeaway

This case highlights the legal complexities surrounding traffic incidents involving pets, where the distinction between a tragic accident and a criminal hit-and-run can hinge on the timing and method of reporting the incident. It also underscores the importance of pet safety in residential areas and the need for clear community guidelines to prevent similar tragedies.