14-year-old dies after Petaluma police chase ends in rollover crash

14-year-old killed in Petaluma chase, crash

A 14-year-old boy died, and three other teenagers were injured during a police chase involving a suspected drunk driver Saturday night in Petaluma, police said

PETALUMA, Calif. - A 14-year-old boy died, and three other teenagers were injured during a police chase involving a suspected drunk driver Saturday night in Petaluma, police said.

Driver was seen swerving

What we know:

The incident began around 10:10 p.m. when officers received a report of an intoxicated driver at a gas station in the 2600 block of Lakeville Highway, according to the Petaluma Police Department.

Police said they spotted the vehicle, a black Kia Soul, and attempted to stop it after observing the driver swerve into oncoming traffic. The driver also sideswiped another car.

The driver failed to stop, and a chase ensued. The chase ended when the vehicle veered off Lakeville Highway near Old Lakeville Road No. 1 and overturned, police said.

Occupants were teens

What they're saying:

All four occupants, teenage boys, were ejected from the vehicle during the crash, according to the Santa Rosa Police Department, which is handling the criminal investigation.

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"Tragically, one of the passengers passed away at the scene," the Petaluma Police Department said. He was 14 years old. 

The Sonoma County coroner identified him as Aldo Rodriguez Cazarez, of Novato.

The 17-year-old driver and two other passengers, ages 15 and 16, were transported to a local trauma center with major injuries and are now in stable condition, police said. 

Their identities have not been released.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, evading police, and driving under the influence.

Vehicle was stolen

Dig deeper:

Investigators later discovered the Kia Soul had been reported stolen out of Marin County, where all four teens reside.

The 17-year-old will be booked into juvenile hall once he is released from the hospital.

Authorities are investigating the vehicle’s speed at the time of the crash and whether the teens were wearing seat belts.