Petaluma, CA (July 19, 2025) – A 14-year-old Novato High School student, identified as Aldo Rodriguez Cazarez, was killed during a police pursuit in Petaluma on Saturday night. The tragic incident occurred around 10:10 p.m. on July 19, on Lakeville Hwy, when the suspect vehicle, a Kia Soul, crashed and rolled over.
The incident began after officers were alerted to a possible DUI driver at a gas station along Lakeville Hwy. As the 17-year-old driver, who was reportedly intoxicated, fled from law enforcement, the Kia Soul swerved into oncoming traffic, sideswiping another vehicle before crashing off the roadway near the intersection of Lakeville Hwy and Old Lakeville Rd. The Kia Soul overturned, causing all four occupants to be ejected from the vehicle.
Sadly, Aldo Rodriguez Cazarez, one of the passengers, was pronounced dead at the scene. Three others, including the 17-year-old driver, a 15-year-old, and a 16-year-old passenger, sustained serious injuries and were transported to local trauma centers for medical treatment. The driver faces charges including vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence, and evading police.
Witnesses described the high-speed crash as violent, with debris scattered across the roadway. Emergency personnel from the Petaluma Police Department, Santa Rosa Police, and California Highway Patrol responded swiftly, securing the scene and providing medical aid.
The Santa Rosa Police Department and California Highway Patrol are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, focusing on factors such as speed, intoxication, and whether driver error played a role in the tragedy. The identities of the other passengers have not been publicly released.
Our thoughts are with Aldo’s family and loved ones, and we hope for the full recovery of those injured.
Car Accidents in California
Car accidents in California are a serious concern, with high rates of injury-causing and fatal collisions. These accidents are often caused by factors such as speeding, sudden lane changes, and driver distraction, leading to injuries like fractures, head trauma, or back strain. The highways of Southern California and major roads in cities like Sacramento are particularly prone to such incidents, especially during rush hours on major corridors like Highway 99 and Interstate 5.
When you’re left injured and overwhelmed by another driver’s negligence, you should heal, not go alone on legal battles. During this difficult recovery time, a car accident lawyer is essential for examining evidence and contacting witnesses to negotiating with insurance companies. Jeremy Winter, an experienced California car accident attorney, understands this. He can lift the burden by assisting you in filing an accident claim and fighting for full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and property damage.
Having JG Winter Law by your side allows you to focus entirely on your recovery while we work to get the compensation you deserve. Keep in mind that you only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit resulting from a car accident in California. Call now at 844-517-0586 for a free consultation and check to see if you have a case.
Note: The information in this publication is sourced from secondary materials such as news reports, blogs, police records, and eyewitness accounts. J.G. Winter Law has not independently confirmed these details. If you find inaccuracies or wish for the story to be removed, please contact us. We will quickly respond by correcting or removing the content as needed.
Disclaimer: The image featured in this post does not depict the incident mentioned. The purpose of this post is not to attract business, and it should not be interpreted as offering medical or legal counsel. In the event of an accident resulting in injury to yourself or a loved one, it’s crucial to obtain medical care without delay, followed by a consultation with an attorney to understand your legal options.
