Two individuals were taken into custody following a violent road rage incident in Rocklin that left one man dead. The altercation took place on the evening of March 15, close to the intersection of Whitney Ranch Parkway and Whitney Oaks Drive. Officers found a 55-year-old man unresponsive at the scene, later pronounced dead despite their efforts to save him, as reported by Rocklin Police Department on social media.
Investigation by the Rocklin detectives and crime scene analysts led to the apprehension of Blake Rakela, 20, and his father, Anthony Rakela, 60. According to the Facebook post from Rocklin Police Department, both of the suspects reside in Rocklin and are being charged with murder and conspiracy at South Placer County Jail.
The Rocklin Police Department dispatch received calls around 8:43 PM regarding the road rage case that turned physical, rendering the man on the ground with no response. The victim’s identity has been withheld by authorities until the Placer County Coroner's Office can make appropriate notifications to the next of kin.
In the wake of this violent encounter, the Rocklin Police Department is urging eyewitnesses or persons with relevant information to come forward and assist in the ongoing investigation. "Your cooperation is invaluable as we work to understand the circumstances leading to this fatal altercation," read the statement posted by the department. Captain Chad Morris, Public Information Officer for Rocklin Police Department, said in his call for public assistance. Anyone with information is requested to contact the Rocklin Police at 916-625-5400. The case remains open and active as Rocklin officials seek to piece together the events of that fateful night.
