Vallejo Police Seek SUV Driver In Fatal Sonoma Blvd. Crash

SOLANO COUNTY, CA — Vallejo police are now looking for an SUV — a dark-colored one, possibly a Dodge or Chevrolet — and its driver in connection with a fatal crash last week on Sonoma Boulevard. Vallejo resident Mario Soto-Landa, 23, was killed when a 2002 black Honda Accord he was riding in collided with a silver 2018 Dodge Challenger, then into two cars parked along the 500 block of Sonoma Boulevard.

In addition to fatally injuring Soto-Landa, the crash left the 22-year-old male driver of the Accord with major injuries and the 23-year-old male driver of the Challenger with minor injuries. The Vallejo residents were both taken to by ambulance to a local hospital.

Vallejo police said in an update Monday evening that traffic investigators believe the actions of a person driving a third vehicle led to the initial collision between the Accord and a 2018 Dodge Challenger. That third vehicle, however, was driven away from the scene, police say.

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Witness statements led investigators to the conclusion that a dark-colored SUV was traveling westbound on Cherry Street and failed to stop for the stop sign at Sonoma Boulevard, Vallejo police Lt. Michael Nichelini said.

"The SUV made a right turn onto Sonoma Boulevard nearly colliding with the Honda Accord," Nichelini said. "The driver of the Accord swerved to avoid being struck by the SUV which caused him to drive left of the double yellow and collide with the Challenger."

Witnesses told police the driver of the SUV stopped briefly following the collision before continuing northbound on Sonoma Boulevard, the lieutenant said.

"The SUV did not make contact with the Accord so there is not likely fresh damage from this collision," Nichelini said.

Police are seeking to identify the SUV and its driver; anyone with information regarding the investigation is urged to contact Officer James Melville by calling 707-648-4014.

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