A tragic hit-and-run in the City of Rohnert Park has ended in an arrest after a diligent investigation by local authorities. The City of Rohnert Park Police & Fire stated in a social media post that a 17-year-old male was taken into custody following the incident last Friday, when a vehicle struck a pedestrian at the intersection of Snyder Lane and Capri Way at around 6:35 PM. The pedestrian, whose identity has yet to be disclosed, was pronounced dead at the scene despite life-saving attempts by RPDPS Police and Fire personnel.
Initially, the details of the suspect's evasion of the scene were scarce. According to the investigation, per Hoodline, witnesses and surveillance footage alluded to the involvement of a black Chevy Silverado, likely between the 2014 and 2018 models. The vehicle, suspected to have chrome wheels and a lift kit, bore significant front-end damage from the collision. Although a similar vehicle was pictured in an official release, it was clarified that it was not the actual suspect vehicle.
Following leads which included vehicle parts found at the accident scene, the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety was able to identify and locate the juvenile suspect in Petaluma the day after the accident. They executed a search warrant, uncovering both the suspect and the involved vehicle. The unnamed teen now faces charges for vehicular manslaughter and failure to stop at the scene of an accident resulting in death, as per the confirmed felonies under the California Penal Code and Vehicle Code.
With the suspect in custody, the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety is seeking any additional information on the case. In the wake of the incident, community members with relevant knowledge to the investigation are encouraged to contact Detective Mohammad Hamade at (707) 588-3573. Questions from the media may be directed towards Sergeant Justin Wax at (707) 588-3545.
