Fatal Crash Leaves Douglas Rodriguez Dead After Salt Lake City Police Pursuit

Salt Lake City police officers have been cleared of any criminal wrongdoing in a fatal car crash that occurred during a pursuit in October. The pursuit began when officers suspected the car was leaving the scene of a shooting at the Durango Bar. The car pulled out in front of the officers without yielding, prompting them to follow the vehicle.

The car was observed traveling at a high speed northbound on State Street, and officers continued to pursue it, believing it was connected to the shooting. As the pursuit continued, two more officers joined in. Eventually, the car failed to navigate a roundabout and crashed into a tree, resulting in the death of its passenger, Douglas Rodriguez.

Salt Lake County District Attorney Sim Gill ruled that the officers did not violate any criminal statutes during the pursuit. While no weapons were fired, and specific pursuit tactics were not used, the Police Department still invoked its “officer-involved critical incident” protocol. However, Gill’s office determined that the crash did not meet the criteria for an “officer-involved critical incident,” which would require an external agency to investigate the officers’ use of force resulting in serious injury or death.

It was later revealed that the driver of the car, Josue Hernandez Perez, had a blood alcohol content three times higher than Utah’s legal limit at the time of the crash. Hernandez Perez has been charged with second-degree felony manslaughter.

The details of the bar shooting, including any connection between Hernandez Perez, Rodriguez, and the initial call, have not been released by the police.

The ruling by the District Attorney’s office brings some closure to the case, absolving the officers of any criminal wrongdoing in the pursuit. The incident highlights the risks involved in high-speed chases and the importance of adhering to traffic regulations and safety measures.