Prosecutors consider charges in fatal crash

Prosecutors will decide whether to pursue possible charges against the driver of a car involved in a fatal collision with a motorcycle earlier this month, according to spokesperson for the Yuma Police Department.

Officer Janet Sanchez said the results of the investigation into the Sept. 9 crash in which 54-year-old John Rodgers was killed have been sent to the Yuma County Attorney’s Office, which will review the findings to determine what, if any, charges might be brought.

She added that it is unknown how long it would take for prosecutors to make a decision.

The fatal collision happened at approximately 5:48 a.m. at the intersection of 4th Avenue and 3rd Street.

Sanchez said the investigation revealed that at that time Rodgers was riding his 2002 Yamaha motorcycle eastbound on 3rd Street approaching 4th Avenue.

There was also a 1999 Nissan Maxima being driven by William Benavides, 53, who was traveling northbound on 4th Avenue approaching 3rd Street.

Benavides failed to stop at the red traffic signal and collided with Rogers within the intersection, police said.

While Benavides was not injured, Rogers was flown to a Phoenix-area hospital with life-threatening injuries. He died five days later on Sept. 14th.

The Yuma Police Department encourages any witness to the collision to please call Civilian Investigator Thomas at (928) 3734700 or 78-Crime to remain anonymous.