2 Injured in Crippling Police Chase Crash on Highway 116 [Santa Rosa, CA]

Woman Arrested, Male Suspect at Large After Santa Rosa Auto Accident on Highway 116

SANTA ROSA, CA (February 26, 2024) – Saturday night, 2 people suffered injuries in a crippling police chase crash on Highway 116.

The incident unfolded around 7:15 p.m. when a CHP officer pulled over a Hyundai vehicle for running a stop sign on Todd Road, west of Highway 101. Upon running the license plate, it was discovered that the plates belonged to a different vehicle, indicating the Hyundai was stolen.

The driver of the stolen Hyundai fled the scene onto southbound 101, initiating a pursuit. The chase led to an exit at Highway 116 in Cotati, where the Hyundai ran a red light and collided with a black Honda Civic, injuring two passengers. Both victims were subsequently transported to a local hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

Following the crash, the male driver and his female companion abandoned the Hyundai and fled towards a 76 gas station. The male suspect forcibly took control of a Honda parked at a gas pump, shoving the owner aside in the process. Notably, a pet Pomeranian dog was inside the stolen Honda at the time.

The suspect’s attempt to escape was marked by further chaos as he crashed the stolen Honda into fuel pumps, causing significant damage to the vehicle’s rear end, before fleeing southbound on Highway 101 towards Marin and Alameda County.

Due to the suspect’s reckless behavior, CHP ground units opted to disengage from the pursuit, while a CHP helicopter continued tracking the suspect. However, the pursuit was eventually lost as the Honda disappeared into a heavily wooded area.

Meanwhile, the female passenger from the stolen Hyundai was apprehended by officers after she was found hiding in the restroom of the 76 gas station. She has been identified as a suspect in possession of stolen property and drugs, and subsequently booked into Sonoma County Jail.

As of now, the male suspect and the stolen Honda, along with the Pomeranian dog, remain at large. CHP urges anyone with information regarding the incident or the whereabouts of the suspects to come forward.

What’s Next after Crippling Police Chase Crash on Highway 116

It is important to drive defensively/abide by all driving laws. By doing so, you can ensure your safety and the safety of surrounding vehicles, motorists, and pedestrians.

Reach out to the experienced lawyers at Sweet Law Group when involved in serious traffic accident. We have over 40 years of experience in the legal field, and we know what it takes to win your wrongful death, auto accident, personal injury, and disability case. We promise to fight, day and night, to achieve the justice and compensation that you and your family deserve. Call our offices at (800) 203-3061for a free consultation with a professional in your area. Furthermore, we can also be contacted by email, online chat, and text message 24 hours a day and 7 days a week.