Novato boy, 14, killed during Petaluma police chase mourned

PETALUMA, Calif. (KRON) — A 14-year-old Novato High School student was killed in Petaluma over the weekend. The boy was identified by a Sonoma County coroner as Aldo Rodriguez Cazarez.

Cazarez was “a beloved son, sibling, friend, and bright light in so many lives. He was taken from us far too soon, and our entire community is mourning this heartbreaking loss. No parent should ever have to go through this,” a verified GoFundMe page states.

The boy suffered fatal injuries when he was ejected from a Kia Soul that crashed during a Petaluma Police Department chase Saturday night. Cazarez was one of three passengers ejected from the Kia.

Police said the Kia had been recently stolen in Marin County, and the 17-year-old driver was drunk.

The incident began when police were alerted to a “possible DUI driver” on Lakeville Highway. Officers watched the Kia as it began swerving on the highway into oncoming traffic and sideswiped another vehicle, police said.

“A vehicle pursuit was initiated. Unfortunately, the suspect vehicle continued to flee from the pursuing officer and crashed off Lakeville Hwy in the area of Old Lakeville #1 at a high rate of speed, causing the vehicle to roll over. Tragically, one of the passengers passed away at the scene.  The driver and the other two passengers were all transported to trauma centers in the area with significant injuries,” the police department wrote.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, driving under the influence, and evading causing great bodily injury or death. Two of his passengers, a 15-year-old boy and 16-year-old boy, were stabilized in a hospital.

The Novato Unified School District wrote, “We must join together as a community as we experience this tragic event, stay focused on the students involved, and hold each other near with unconditional love and support.”

To support students in processing the tragic incident over summer break, mental health support will be available at Novato High School library on Wednesday. “We also have a plan to support students and staff at Novato High when we return to school on August 21,” NUSD wrote.

Detectives with the Santa Rosa Police Department are investigating what led up to the police chase and crash. “All four occupants of the vehicle are juvenile males (from) Marin County. The relationship between the juveniles is part of the ongoing investigation,” SRPD wrote.

Law enforcement officials did not release the driver’s name because he is a minor.