A recent tragedy has left the Sonoma County community in mourning following a fatal car crash involving a local probation peace officer and a driver with a history of DUI offenses. Jessica Avila Munoz, a 31-year-old officer serving with the Sonoma County Probation Department, was killed when her vehicle was struck by a suspected drunk driver at the intersection of Lombardi Court and Sebastopol Road in Santa Rosa. The Sonoma County Law Enforcement Association (SCLEA) is now seeking support for Munoz's family.
According to the Santa Rosa Police Department's report, Munoz was coming to pick up her 13-year-old daughter from school when the crash occurred last Friday. The silver Dodge pickup, driven by 68-year-old Nhan Van Nguyen, failed to stop at a red light, striking Munoz's white Honda and causing a three-vehicle collision that eventually claimed her life. Nguyen, who was found by police at the scene to display signs of alcohol impairment and had previously been arrested for DUI four times, was booked on charges of Gross Vehicular Manslaughter and Felony DUI causing great bodily injury, as per Hoodline's coverage of the incident.
Munoz has been remembered as a dedicated peace officer and a single mother who was "full of life." Having earned a degree in Psychology and the Administration of Justice, she aimed to make a career in Criminal Justice. SCLEA has set up a campaign with a goal of $50,000 to help support Munoz's daughter, younger sister, and mother. The donations will contribute to funeral costs and support the family's transition after this devastating loss.
The collision and its aftermath had the area cordoned off for about six hours, during which time the Field and Evidence Technicians worked to collect evidence and document the scene. Officer Zepeda of the Santa Rosa Police Department has called upon witnesses or those with relevant information to come forward and assist in the investigation.
