14-Year-Old Killed, 3 Other Teens Hurt In DUI Rollover While Fleeing Cops: Police

PETALUMA, CA — One teen was killed and three others suffered life-threatening injuries after a rollover crash that occurred while an intoxicated driver was fleeing police in a stolen SUV, authorities said.

Local officers responded shortly after 10 p.m. Saturday to a report of a possible intoxicated driver at a gas station in the 2600 block of Lakeville Highway in Petaluma, according to police, who quickly found the driver's vehicle — a Kia Soul recently stolen in Marin County — swerving on the highway.

The driver fled officers’ attempt at a traffic stop, continuing to swerve with police in pursuit and sideswiping a vehicle before the Kia was involved in a rollover that ejected its occupants, four boys from Marin County, authorities said.

A 14-year-old passenger died, while two other passengers, ages 15 and 16, remained hospitalized in stable condition Sunday along with the 17-year-old driver, according to police.

The driver was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter, evading causing great bodily injury or death, and driving under the influence causing great bodily injury or death, police said, adding the boy will be booked into juvenile hall once he is out of the hospital.

Santa Rosa police are investigating the events leading up to the crash and California Highway Patrol is investigating the rollover in accordance with Sonoma County law enforcement employee-involved protocol, according to authorities.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact the police tip line at 707-543-3590 or submit an anonymous tip online at http://bit.ly/46mxbqu.