Commerce, CA (February 22, 2025) – A two-vehicle collision resulted in the death of 16-year-old Rodolfo Rodriguez III of Long Beach and left multiple others with severe injuries after a suspected wrong-way driver caused a devastating crash.
Accident Details: Authorities attempted to pull over the suspect shortly after 11 p.m. near Eastern and Florence Avenues. However, the driver fled, leading to a pursuit that ended in a violent collision at 11:14 p.m. at Eastern Avenue and Randolph Street. Rodriguez, who was seated on a bench at the location, was killed at the scene. Another pedestrian in a crosswalk had their legs severed.
Two occupants in the suspect’s vehicle sustained extensive injuries and were transported to a hospital. The suspect was hospitalized for treatment before being taken into custody. The second vehicle’s conditions and number of occupants remain unknown, and the suspect’s name has not yet been released.
Ongoing Investigation and Legal Considerations: When a suspect flees from law enforcement, the risk of high-speed, reckless driving dramatically increases, putting innocent bystanders, pedestrians, and other drivers in danger. Authorities will examine surveillance footage, witness statements, and vehicle damage to determine how the collision occurred.
Investigators will also examine the police department’s behavior in chasing the suspect. Law enforcement agencies have specific pursuit policies to prevent unnecessary risks to the public. Investigators may assess whether officers followed proper procedures in initiating and continuing the chase.
Depending on the investigation’s findings, Rodriguez’s family may be able to file a wrongful death claim. The injured may be able to file a personal injury claims.
I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Rodolfo Rodriguez III. I wish the injured a fast recovery.
Source: 2 Urban Girls