Police seek driver who fled after crashing into Santa Rosa channel

Santa Rosa police are looking for a driver who fled Tuesday night after crashing his car down into a Santa Rosa flood control channel, leaving behind two injured passengers, according to a police sergeant.

The hit-and-run driver was speeding as he crossed Santa Rosa Avenue at Colgan Avenue about 9:15 p.m., said Sgt. Dan Marincik. Instead of continuing on the street, the driver veered off the road, through a fence and down about 12 feet into the Colgan Creek channel. The 2015 Mazda sedan continued along the channel for another 200 feet before stopping against a channel wall.

A surveillance camera at McLea's Tires and Automotive on Baker Avenue caught the vehicle going through the intersection.

Santa Rosa officers responding to the wreck found two passengers but no driver, according to police.

A male passenger was out of the car but a female rider remained inside. Santa Rosa firefighters helped her out of the car and used ladders to get the two out of the channel, which held a few inches of water. They had minor injuries and were taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.

The sergeant said officers have leads on the driver but asked anyone who saw the crash or who has information to contact Officer Noel Gaytan at 707-543-3600 extension 8517.