Motorcyclist killed by driver fleeing traffic stop in stolen car
A motorcyclist was killed after being hit by the driver of a stolen car fleeing from a traffic stop Monday evening, according to San Jose police. The driver, identified as 27-year-old San Jose resident Briana Berroya, was arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter, vehicle theft, evasion and drug possession.
At about 7 p.m. Monday, an officer tried to stop a black Volkswagen Passat that did not have any visible license plates near Monterey Highway and Old Tully Road. The driver sped away and drove into oncoming traffic in the southbound lanes, and police say the officer chose not to pursue the vehicle.
Moments later, the Volkswagen hit a southbound motorcycle, police said. The rider was pronounced dead at the scene, and has since been identified as 47-year-old San Jose resident Miguel Rodriguez.
It was only after the collision that police determined that the car was reported stolen. Berroya is being held at the Elmwood Correctional Complex on $250,000 bail.
The death marked the city’s 22nd traffic fatality of the year.
Anyone with information about the case can contact traffic Detective Brian McMahon at 408-277-4654 or leave at tip with Silicon Valley Crime Stoppers at 408947-STOP or svcrimestoppers.org. Tipsters may be eligible for a cash reward.