A 14-year-old boy was killed and three others were seriously injured following a high-speed police chase and rollover crash late Saturday night, according to the Petaluma Police Department (PPD).
The incident began around 10:10 p.m. when officers responded to a gas station on Lakeville Highway for a report of a possible intoxicated driver. Officers spotted a Kia Soul swerving into oncoming traffic and attempted a traffic stop. The driver failed to yield, initiating a pursuit.
The chase ended when the vehicle crashed near Old Lakeville No. 1 Road, rolling over multiple times. Investigators later confirmed the Kia Soul was reported stolen out of Marin County, per the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD).
Inside the vehicle were four occupants. 14-year-old Aldo Rodriguez Cazarez, a resident of Novato, was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity was confirmed by the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office.
The 17-year-old driver, along with two other passengers, sustained serious injuries and were transported to local trauma centers. The driver is currently in stable condition.
He has since been arrested and faces multiple felony charges, including:
- Vehicular manslaughter
- Evading police causing great bodily injury or death
- Driving under the influence causing great bodily injury or death
Authorities are asking anyone who witnessed the crash or has information related to the incident to contact the Santa Rosa Police Department’s Violent Crimes Investigations Team at 707-543-3590.
The investigation remains ongoing.
