Rock thrown through car windshield kills woman on California highway
LOS ANGELES COUNTY, Calif. - A 25-year-old aspiring cosmetologist, Sarina Rodriguez, was killed after a rock was thrown through her car's windshield as she was driving in the Antelope Valley.
The incident happened Tuesday just after midnight on Highway 138 east of Highway 18, according to the California Highway Patrol Antelope Valley Area.
Her boyfriend, who was the passenger in the car, told authorities they were traveling westbound on Highway 138 when a rock was suddenly thrown through the vehicle's windshield. Rodriguez died at the scene.
Authorities searched the area but did not locate any suspects.
CHP said this is the third incident like this they are investigating. The two other incidents happened on the night of October 6, although no serious injuries were reported.
Investigators are not sure if the rocks are coming from someone on the ground or from a vehicle passing by, but they are asking people to be careful driving in the busy intersection which has no streetlights.
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"Given these recurring incidents, the California Highway Patrol Southern Division Major Crimes Unit and the CHP Antelope Valley Area are actively investigating these incidents and are seeking assistance from the community," detectives said.
"It came out of nowhere," said Sarina's boyfriend Franco Martinez, who was riding in the passenger seat. He said he tried to grab the steering wheel to control the vehicle but there wasn't enough time.
The vehicle crashed, killing Sarina immediately.
"When it went through the windshield, it collapsed her airway. Whole frontal, unrecognizable. Fatal on site," Martinez added.
He is overwhelmed with grief, as is her family, who are asking for help with her burial. They have set up a GoFundMe account to help with funeral costs.
Authorities are asking anyone with information to contact CHP at 323-259-3200.