Petaluma, CA – On the night of Saturday, July 19, 2025, a rollover collision killed 14-year-old Aldo Rodriguez Cazarez and injured three other teenagers during a police pursuit, according to Bay City News.
The Santa Rosa Police Department reports that the accident took place around 10:18 PM near Lakeville Highway and Old Lakeville Road No. 1, just outside of Petaluma.
Officers had attempted to stop a Kia Sol after responding to a report of a possibly intoxicated driver at a gas station in the 2600 block of Lakeville Highway. The vehicle, driven by a 17-year-old boy from San Rafael, fled the scene, swerving into oncoming traffic and sideswiping another vehicle before losing control.
During the pursuit, the Kia rolled off the highway, ejecting all four occupants. Rodriguez Cazarez, a Novato resident, died at the scene.
The driver and two other passengers, ages 15 and 16, sustained significant injuries and were transported to trauma centers. As of Sunday, they remained hospitalized in stable condition. Detectives believe the 17-year-old driver was under the influence at the time. Police confirmed the Kia had recently been reported stolen out of Marin County.
The 17-year-old was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, DUI causing great bodily injury or death, and felony evading. He will be booked into juvenile hall once released from the hospital.
The Santa Rosa Police Department is leading the investigation with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office.
A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to help Rodriguez Cazarez’s family with funeral expenses.
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.”
Passenger Liability
Driver liability insurance covers both those outside the vehicle and passengers inside. While it can be emotionally difficult to file a Wrongful Death claim against someone close to the victim, the financial challenges after an accident can be overwhelming. As a neutral third party, an experienced personal injury attorney can help to navigate these emotional complexities.
California Wrongful Death Lawyer
If you or someone you love was harmed in an accident like the one described here, contact a California Wrongful Death Lawyer for any questions or to receive a no-cost, no-obligation case assessment.
