CHP: Driver arrested in fatal crash in Rohnert Park

The driver who authorities believe caused a traffic accident in Rohnert Park over the weekend that killed a woman and sent four people to the hospital, as well as two other traffic accidents nearby, has been arrested.

Authorities arrested Diego Diaz Hernandez, 20, of Santa Rosa on Saturday on suspicion of murder, aggravated drunken driving and assault with a deadly weapon, according to a news release from the California Highway Patrol on Sunday.

Authorities suspect Diaz Hernandez was under the influence just after 2 p.m. Saturday when he drove a Mazda SUV south along Stony Point Road behind a Volkswagen SUV.

According to the CHP, the Mazda struck the Volkswagen, causing the vehicle to move into the oncoming lane of traffic where it was struck by a northbound Mercedes on the right side just south of Rohnert Park Expressway.

The Volkswagen's passenger, a woman, was pronounced dead at the scene, officials said.

The woman's name will be released by the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office upon notification of her family.

The driver of the Volkswagen and a toddler in that car, as well as the driver and passenger of the Mercedes, suffered serious injuries and were taken to Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital in Santa Rosa.

CHP Santa Rosa Officer David deRutte said Sunday that he did not know their conditions.

After the crash on Stony Point, the Mazda driver failed to stop and fled the scene, officials said.

About 10 minutes after emergency crews arrived in Stony Point, the CHP received a report of another accident, this time along Highway 101, where witnesses said a Mazda had struck a vehicle south of Pepper Road, according to the news release.

Responding CHP officers found the Mazda, which was disabled, as well as the driver of the vehicle, who they said tried to flee again. Diaz Hernandez was arrested at this scene.

According to Sunday's news release, investigators suspect that Diaz Hernandez caused another accident that occurred about an hour before the collision in Stony Point.

In that incident, a Toyota Camry left Highway 12 and overturned near Stony Point Road. No injuries were reported, officials said.

Cotati police are investigating two additional crashes Saturday that may have involved the Mazda, officials added.

You can reach Staff Writer Madison Smalstig at [email protected]. On X (Twitter) @madi.smals.