A senseless hit-and-run incident rattled Rohnert Park residents earlier this month when a juvenile on a scooter was struck by a white Mustang near Rancho Cotate High School. The Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety reported multiple calls around 8:30 a.m. on May 3, detailing the collision at Snyder Lane and Hinebaugh Creek, just as students were likely heading into their morning classes. Witnesses on the scene quickly came forward, delivering key information that would lead to an arrest. One heroic onlooker even captured the heinous act on video, providing law enforcement with concrete evidence to track down the callous driver.
Swift action by local police and firefighters ensured the young victim, whose identity and age have been withheld, received immediate attention for their injuries, which were fortunately classified as non-life-threatening. After several days of investigation, authorities managed to locate and arrest the alleged perpetrator, 22-year-old Cotati resident Angel Antonio Martinez, as reported on the Rohnert Park Police & Fire Facebook page. Martinez now faces significant charges, including Felony Hit and Run, Felony Child Endangerment, and violation of probation.
In the wake of the incident, Rohnert Park DPS issued an appeal for public safety, significantly urging pedestrians and scooter riders alike to always verify that vehicles have come to a complete stop before attempting to navigate crosswalks quickly. The department emphasized the importance of wearing safety helmets while on bikes or scooters and reminded the community that safety is a shared responsibility.
On April 29, Rohnert Park DPS announced a separate traffic advisory due to a vehicle collision at Snyder Lane and Parkway Drive. They indicated in a notice on the Nixle alert system that the area should be avoided while the situation was being addressed. The road was cleared, and the public was notified that it was safe to travel through the impacted area.
