Driver dead after a rock was thrown through a car’s windshield on the highway, police say

MOJAVE, Calif. (TMX) – A California woman died after a rock was apparently thrown through her windshield while driving on Tuesday.

The California Highway Patrol said it was at least the second such incident in three days and prompted a criminal investigation.

The CHP Antelope Valley Division said officers responded to a “tragic traffic accident” on State Road 138 east of State Road 18 in Los Angeles County around 12:10 a.m. Tuesday.

When officers arrived, they discovered that the driver, 25-year-old Sarina Rodriguez, had suffered fatal injuries when a rock was thrown through her windshield.

Rodriguez’s boyfriend, Franco Martinez, was in the car with her at the time and told Fox 11 the rock “came out of nowhere.” He described how she tried to take control of the steering wheel after being hit, but had “less than a second” to act and the vehicle crashed.

CHP said Martinez reported the rock was thrown from an “unknown location.” CHP officers and Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel searched the area but were unable to locate any suspects.

According to Fox 11, Rodriguez’s family has set up a GoFundMe to help with funeral costs.

A similar incident occurred in the area on the night of October 6, but although a rock was thrown through a windshield, there were no injuries.

“Given these recurring incidents, the California Highway Patrol Southern Division Major Crimes Unit and the CHP Antelope Valley Area are actively investigating these incidents and requesting the community’s assistance.

Authorities are asking anyone with information about the incident to contact the California Highway Patrol at 323-259-3200.

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