Former “Baywatch” heartthrob David Charvet is facing serious allegations after he reportedly struck and killed a dog with his pickup truck in Malibu early Thursday morning — and then drove off without stopping, according to a report.
Vera Errico told TMZ that she was walking her three dogs on leashes just before 6 a.m. inside a gated Malibu community when Charvet allegedly hit one of the animals with his Ford Super Duty truck. The victim was Sunday, her 11-year-old white English Labrador.
Errico and her husband rushed the injured dog to a veterinarian, where the beloved pet was euthanized due to the severity of its injuries.
The Hit-and-Run Allegations
According to Errico’s account:
- The incident occurred inside a gated Malibu community around 6 a.m. on Thursday, April 16
- Charvet was driving a Ford Super Duty pickup truck
- Sunday, the 11-year-old white English Labrador, was on a leash at the time
- Charvet did not stop immediately after the collision
- He reportedly drove outside the gated community before contacting police
Errico and her husband plan to file a police report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office alleging hit-and-run.
Charvet’s Response
When reached by phone by TMZ, Charvet said he had “no comment” and referred the outlet to his publicist. As of publication, his publicist has not responded to requests for comment.
The 53-year-old actor, best known for his role as Matt Brody on “Baywatch” from 1992 to 1995, has largely stayed out of the spotlight in recent years. He has focused on his fitness studio, BURN LA, in Studio City, and his family life with wife, actress Brooke Burke, whom he married in 2011. The couple announced their separation in 2020 after nine years of marriage, though they continue to co-parent their two daughters.
Charvet was previously married to actress and model Tiffani Thiessen from 1992 to 1995 (annulled) and was in a long-term relationship with “Baywatch” co-star Pamela Anderson from 1992 to 1997.
Legal Implications: Hit-and-Run in California
Under California law, hit-and-run (VC 20001-20002) applies when a driver involved in an accident fails to stop and provide identification. Penalties depend on the severity of the damage:
| Offense | Penalty |
|---|---|
| Misdemeanor hit-and-run (property damage only) | Up to 6 months in county jail, fines up to $1,000 |
| Felony hit-and-run (injury or death — including animals in some interpretations) | 16 months to 3 years in state prison, fines up to $10,000 |
While animals are legally considered property in most jurisdictions, some courts have treated hit-and-run involving pets more seriously — especially if the driver knew an animal was struck and failed to stop.
If Charvet is charged, prosecutors would need to prove he knew or reasonably should have known he struck an animal.
The Owner’s Grief
Vera Errico described Sunday as a beloved family pet. Losing a dog after 11 years is devastating under any circumstances — but the alleged circumstances here have added a layer of anger and frustration.
The Erricos are reportedly considering both criminal charges (through the sheriff’s office) and civil action against Charvet.
Celebrity Hit-and-Run Cases: A Pattern
Charvet is far from the first celebrity accused of hit-and-run:
| Celebrity | Year | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| Caitlyn Jenner | 2015 | Involved in fatal multi-car collision; found not guilty of vehicular manslaughter |
| Matthew Broderick | 1987 | Caused fatal crash in Ireland; convicted of careless driving |
| Ted Kennedy | 1969 | Drove off bridge after accident; Mary Jo Kopechne died; pleaded guilty to leaving scene |
| Brandy | 2006 | Involved in fatal chain-reaction crash; civil suit settled |
Most celebrity hit-and-run cases result in misdemeanor charges and civil settlements, particularly when no human injury or death occurs.
Public Reaction
Social media reaction to the Charvet allegations has been mixed:
Dog lovers expressed outrage:
“He killed a dog and drove off? That’s disgusting. Dogs are family.” — @dogmomLA
“If you hit an animal, you STOP. You check. You help. You don’t drive away.” — @animalrightsnow
Others questioned the circumstances:
“Were the dogs on the road? In a gated community, you’d think cars and pedestrians would be separated.” — @maliburesident
“He did call police — just not immediately. That’s not the same as a full hit-and-run.” — @legalobserver
The comment section on the original New York Post article reflected similar divisions, with some readers asking for more details about where the dogs were when struck.
What Happens Next
- Police report: The Erricos plan to file a report with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Office. An investigation will follow.
- Potential charges: Depending on evidence, Charvet could face misdemeanor or felony hit-and-run charges.
- Civil suit: The Erricos may sue for veterinary bills, emotional distress, and punitive damages.
- Public statement: Charvet’s publicist may eventually release a statement addressing the allegations.
FAQ: David Charvet Hit-and-Run
Q: What is David Charvet accused of?
A: Striking and killing a dog with his truck in a gated Malibu community, then driving off without immediately stopping.
Q: Was the dog on a leash?
A: Yes, the owner says all three dogs were on leashes at the time.
Q: Did Charvet eventually stop?
A: According to the owner, he drove outside the gated community before contacting police.
Q: Has Charvet been charged?
A: Not yet. The owner plans to file a police report. An investigation will follow.
Q: What was Charvet famous for?
A: He played Matt Brody on “Baywatch” (1992-1995) and was married to Brooke Burke.
Q: Could he face jail time?
A: If charged with a felony hit-and-run, he could face up to 3 years in prison. But given the circumstances (no human injury), misdemeanor charges are more likely.
