Death by Cop  2021-2025

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Aldo Rodriguez Cazares

Gender : Male

Age : 14

Race : Latino/a/e

Date : 07/20/2025

Location : Lakeville Highway near Old Lakeville Road No. 1

City : Petaluma

County : Sonoma

State : California

Agency : Petaluma Police Department

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Vehicle

Event : Passenger killed by police chase crash

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

At approximately 10:10 p.m. on July 20, 2025, Petaluma Police received a report of a possible intoxicated driver operating a stolen vehicle. Officers soon located a black Kia Soul driving erratically, crossing into oncoming lanes on Lakeville Highway. When police attempted to initiate a traffic stop, the 17-year-old driver refused to comply and sped away, escalating the situation into a high-speed pursuit.
The chase continued along Lakeville Highway, intensifying in speed and danger as the vehicle swerved aggressively. At around 10:18 p.m., near Old Lakeville Road No. 1, the Kia lost control, overturned violently, and ejected all four teenage occupants onto the roadway.
Four teens were involved, including 14-year-old Aldo Rodriguez Cazares of Novato, who suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The other three occupants sustained life-threatening injuries and were transported to nearby hospitals for critical care.
The Petaluma Police Department's pursuit protocol and decision-making during the chase are currently under review by Sonoma County authorities. Community members have expressed deep concern over the loss of young life and the risks posed by police pursuits involving minors.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.cbsnews.com/sanfrancisco/news/deadly-suspected-dui-crash-petaluma-lakeville-highway
https://abc7news.com/post/1-killed-3-critically-injured-petaluma-rollover-crash-being-pursued-officers-police/17215602
https://www.sfchronicle.com/crime/article/petaluma-police-chase-20777478.php
https://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/news/crash-marin-petaluma-novato
https://www.ktvu.com/news/14-year-old-dies-after-petaluma-police-chase-ends-in-rollover-crash