Full Notification

Case #21-2721
 
On July 5^th at 12:00 PM, the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety Communications Center received multiple 9-1-1 calls reporting a hit and run collision involving a pedestrian in the area of 1702 E Cotati Ave.  The callers reported seeing a black vehicle strike a pedestrian who was crossing the street and then leave the area.  Within minutes, the Communications Center received a call from the driver who had pulled over on Roman Drive stating he had just been involved in a collision.
 
The first arriving officer located a male subject deceased in the E/B lanes of E Cotati Ave.  Additional officers located the driver with his vehicle on Roman Drive.  He was cooperative during the investigation.  The Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) responded to take over the investigation.
 
Investigators believe the pedestrian, a 21 year old male SSU student from Rohnert Park, was travelling north, midblock across E Cotati Ave. from the Wolfs Den Plaza towards Sonoma State University.  The pedestrian was not in a crosswalk.  The driver, Ronald Gaither, a 19 year old Penngrove resident, was driving a 2015 Ford Fusion W/B on E Cotati.  It appears the pedestrian stepped off of the center median into the path of the oncoming vehicle.  Gaither could not stop to avoid the collision and struck the pedestrian with the left front of his vehicle.  Investigators are looking into whether or not inattention or distraction were a contributing factor in the collision by either party.  In addition, other evidence will be analyzed to try and determine the speed of the vehicle at the time of the collision.  The pedestrian will not be identified until notification of next of kin.    
 
Gaither was transported to a local hospital for a medical evaluation.  A Drug Recognition Expert from the Department of Public Safety met Gaither at the hospital and did an investigation into whether he was impaired at the time of the collision.  At this time it does not appear alcohol or drugs contributed to the collision.
 
E Cotati Ave. between Bodway Pkwy and the entrance to 7-11 was closed for approximately 3.5 hours while the investigation was completed.
 
The Department of Public Safety wants to remind all pedestrians to use a cross walk when crossing the roadway.  Make sure you make eye contact with drivers and pedestrians so you know they see you.  Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of the pedestrian.