Police Chase Ends in Fiery Crash — Oct 19, 2017
Jose Rubio-Rivas, 33, led police on a chase through Sonoma and Marin counties that ended in a fiery crash. It began in west Santa Rosa when police spotted a van driving suspiciously at approximately 2:30 a.m. The driver of the van failed to stop at several lights on Sebastapol Road and gave chase when police attempted to pull him over. Driving at speeds in excess of 80 mph on southbound Highway 116, onto Stony Point Road and then into Petaluma. California Highway Patrol deployed spike strips which penetrated two tires. When he drove into Novato, more strips were deployed, taking out the remaining two tires. Rubio-Rivas tried to jump from the vehicle after it caught fire from the sparks shooting from the metal rims. He struck a lane divider at 60 mph and suffered a major injury. He was taken to the hospital for treatment and arrested afterward for suspicion of felony evading, violating probation, DUI, possession of methamphetamine and outstanding warrants.