A Santa Rosa man was in jail Saturday on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, hit and run and violating his probation after Rohnert Park police say he caused a fatal crash Friday night.
Rafael Prieto-Gonzalez, 23, was being held in Sonoma County Jail Saturday morning without bail, jail officials said. He was due in court on Tuesday.
Rohnert Park police said Prieto-Gonzalez was driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs around 8 p.m. Friday when he lost control of his vehicle on Commerce Boulevard and crashed broadside into a tree between Alison and Arlen Avenues, killing his adult passenger.
The name of the passenger, believed to be in his 40s, wasn't released pending a positive identification and notification of next of kin.
Two witnesses in another vehicle tried to help Prieto-Gonzalez after the crash, but he the driver got out of the vehicle and went into a nearby neighborhood, Sgt. Aaron Johnson said. Officers later found Prieto-Gonzalez , who they said had injuries consistent with being in a collision.
Prieto-Gonzalez was treated for his injuries and subsequently booked into Sonoma County Jail.
Police are asking for anyone with information about the crash to call Officer Jerrod Marshall at 584-2600.
UPDATED: Please read and follow our commenting policy: