SRPD Investigates Major Collision at Mendocino Ave and Fountaingrove Pkwy

On Tuesday March 4^th at approximately 9:10 am, Santa Rosa Police Officers were dispatched to a vehicle collision near the intersection of Mendocino Avenue and Fountaingrove Parkway. Witnesses called 911 to report that the two vehicles involved were a red Nissan and a green Toyota. The driver of the Nissan appeared to be severely injured.

SRPD Officers and Fire and Medical personnel arrived on scene. The driver of the Nissan was in distress and unconscious. CPR and life-saving measures were started, but the driver was ultimately transported by ambulance to an area hospital with life-threatening injuries. The driver and passenger of the Toyota were assessed and had minor injuries. They remained on scene.

Santa Rosa Police Accident Investigators and Field and Evidence Technicians responded to the collision scene and took over the investigation.

Based on the statements of the driver and passenger of the Toyota, as well as witness statements, investigators learned the following information. The green Toyota was stopped on the Mendocino over crossing eastbound, and was preparing to turn left and proceed northbound on Mendocino Ave. The red Nissan was stopped behind the Toyota. When the light turned green to proceed, the red Nissan moved forward at a high rate of speed, hitting the Toyota. The Nissan pushed the Toyota with so much force that both vehicles went through the intersection and ended up about 200 feet up Fountaingrove Pkwy. The Toyota proceeded straight up the parkway, while the Nissan ran into a light pole on the south side of the street. The light pole was completely severed and fell to the ground.

The investigation as to the cause of the collision is on-going, but there is some indication that the driver of the Nissan may have suffered a medical emergency while driving.

Eastbound Fountaingrove Pkwy at Mendocino Ave was closed for the investigation for approximately three hours. The name of the driver of the Nissan and the driver and passenger of the Toyota will not be released at this time. The driver of the Nissan remains in critical condition at an area hospital.

Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Officer Matteri. amatteri@srcity.org