In the early hours of Saturday, chaos unfolded at a Rohnert Park intersection when a Toyota Tundra pick-up truck, driven by local resident Maria Valencia, 44, collided with a SCION passenger vehicle. The heavy impact left the SCION's driver with severe leg injuries and sent another individual to the hospital. According to a press release by the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety, the distressing incident occurred near the Rohnert Park Expressway and Commerce Blvd around 2:37 AM.
Victims were rushed to get medical aid from the SCION's driver, who is currently undergoing surgery, and his prognosis is yet uncertain. Valencia and her two passengers were also evaluated, with one escaping harm's way while the other suffered moderate injuries. After the crash, Valencia demonstrated clear signs of intoxication. She struggled through Field Sobriety Tests and blew a .15% BAC, well over the legal limit. Valencia now faces serious charges, including felony DUI.
With debris scattered and vehicles maimed amidst the backdrop of a Jack in the Box, authorities are painstakingly piecing together the events that led up to the fateful moment. While it is confirmed that the intersection's traffic signals were operational, the driver who held the right-of-way remains a mystery. Officials continue to gather evidence and encourage any witnesses to come forward and contact PSO Angelesco at (707) 584-2600.
