by Jim Emerson
NOVATO, CA — A 17-year-old male juvenile arrested on April 20 is accused of vehicular
manslaughter, and felony DUI causing injuries. The suspect and his four teenage passengers
were hospitalized. One of those passengers died.
Neighbors reported hearing the crash impact on April 11 at approximately 1 a.m. It happened
in the residential San Marin neighborhood of Novato. The passenger who died has been
identified as Nico Vargas, 17, of Rohnert Park. The other passengers sustained major injuries
but they survived.
Evidently, the suspect was driving at a high rate of speed when he lost control. Novato officers
responded to reports of the solo-vehicle collision, near the intersection of San Marin Drive and
Simmons Lane.
While traveling eastbound the Toyota Camry veered off San Marin Drive, and slammed into a
utility pole. The force of the impact caused the car to spin violently, which resulted in injuries
to all five occupants.
The 17-year-old driver was booked on April 20 at Marin County Juvenile Hall, following his
discharge from the hospital. He was released from custody to his grandmother in Rohnert
Park, with the stipulation that he wear an ankle monitor.
This juvenile driver was booked on suspicion of –
·Gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated
·Felony DUI causing injury
·Child endangerment
A judge ordered has him to appear in court on May 13. Meanwhile, the Marin County District
Attorney’s Office is reviewing the case, and will determine whether he will be tried as an adult.
The investigation remains active. Anyone with information can contact the Novato police
traffic division at 415-897-4361.
