Rohnert Park, CA—A driver accused of causing multiple collisions, including a fatal road rage incident, was arrested on Saturday, October 5, 2024, and faces charges of murder, DUI, and assault with a deadly weapon, according to KRON.
The series of crashes, which spanned several locations in the North Bay, began around 12:58 p.m. when the driver of a Mazda SUV allegedly ran a Toyota Camry off the road at State Route 12 and Stony Point Road, causing the vehicle to flip over. Fortunately, no one was injured in that crash. However, the chaos escalated just hours later.
At approximately 2:04 p.m., the California Highway Patrol (CHP) responded to a devastating crash near the Santa Rosa Pumpkin Patch on Stony Point Road, south of Rohnert Park Expressway. Investigators believe that the Mazda SUV may have intentionally rammed a Volkswagen SUV traveling in front of it. The force of the impact pushed the Volkswagen into the opposite lane of traffic, where it collided with a northbound Mercedes.
The impact of the crash was deadly. A passenger in the Mercedes lost their life, while the driver and a child were rushed to the hospital with major injuries.
The Mazda driver fled the scene but was soon involved in yet another collision on southbound US-101 near Pepper Road at around 2:16 p.m. In this crash, the Mazda was reportedly rendered inoperable after ramming another car. The driver attempted to flee on foot but was apprehended by CHP.
Authorities believe the driver was intentionally causing these crashes, with the incident culminating in multiple charges, including murder and felony DUI.
Wrongful Death Claims
Even if a fatal accident doesn’t lead to criminal charges, families who lose a loved one can still file a Wrongful Death claim against the at-fault driver’s insurance. This compensation can help cover medical bills, funeral costs, and lost income that the family depended on.
However, insurance companies will always try to pay as little as possible, making it difficult for families to receive the full amount they deserve. So, having an experienced personal injury attorney is essential to receive fair compensation and justice for your loved one.
California DUI Law
Section 23153(a) of the California Vehicle Code (CVC) states that it is illegal for any driver to “Operate a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs and, as a result, cause bodily injury to someone else.”
