Woman, Dogs Killed As She Jumps In Front Of SMART Train: Police

ROHNERT PARK, CA — A woman and her two dogs were fatally struck by a SMART train Thursday night in Rohnert Park, police said. The incident at 9:25 p.m. at the Golf Course Drive rail crossing was witnessed by two plainclothes Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety detectives, according to Aaron Johnson, deputy chief with the department.

"The detectives were on duty and stopped for the train crossing eastbound at Golf Course Drive," Johnson said. "The red lights were activated, the crossing arms were lowered, and the bells were audible while the detectives were waiting for the northbound train to pass."

Across the tracks from where they stood, they saw a woman cross through the pedestrian control device and then through the crossing arm to wait for the train to approach, the deputy chief said.

The detectives yelled at the woman to stop; however, she disregarded their warning and intentionally jumped into the path of the oncoming train, Johnson said.

The woman was holding two small dogs in her arms at the time, and when detectives ran toward the tracks after the train passed, they found her and the dogs deceased on the tracks.

"The department sends their condolences to the family of the decedent as well as the train operator as these incidents are tragic for all involved," Johnson said.

The Sonoma County Sheriff-Coroner's Office will identify the woman once her next of kin are properly notified.

It was the ninth train-related death since January 2018 and the fifth since June 27, 2019. Most of the deaths were deemed suicides.

SMART began train services between Sonoma County north of Santa Rosa and San Rafael in August 2017.

—Bay City News Service contributed to this report.