Pedro Rosales Obituary, Death – Authorities have identified the victim who died following a police pursuit in South Bend early Wednesday morning. The man has been named as 58-year-old Pedro Rosales, who was traveling in a Chevrolet Cruze when he was struck by another vehicle at the intersection of Sample and Michigan Streets. Rosales was taken to a local hospital after the crash, where he later died from his injuries.
According to South Bend Police, the incident occurred around 3:30 a.m. Officers attempted to stop a GMC Sierra reported to be stolen, driven by 31-year-old Tyler Straub, with 24-year-old Janet Binion as a passenger. The pursuit began near Fellows Street, but the vehicle did not stop when officers activated their emergency lights.
Police reported that within a minute of the attempt to pull the vehicle over, the driver ran a red light at the intersection of Sample and Michigan Streets. This resulted in a collision with Rosales’ car, causing critical injuries to him. The intersection was closed for approximately four hours while authorities responded and conducted an initial investigation.
Straub and Binion were both injured during the crash and were transported to the hospital for treatment. Following their hospitalization, they were taken into custody. Law enforcement agencies have stated that the circumstances surrounding the pursuit and crash remain under active investigation. The South Bend Police Department’s Pursuit Review Committee, along with the St. Joseph County Fatal Accident Crash Team (FACT), are examining the incident to determine all contributing factors.
Police emphasized that the pursuit began when officers attempted a routine stop of a reported stolen vehicle, but the driver did not comply and continued traveling through traffic. Officers said the short pursuit escalated quickly, ending in a tragic crash that claimed the life of an uninvolved driver. Authorities are reviewing all available evidence, including witness statements, traffic camera footage, and vehicle data, to fully understand the events leading to the collision.
Community members are reminded that police pursuits can pose significant risks to both the public and those involved. Officials stress that safety precautions, adherence to traffic laws, and awareness are critical in preventing accidents and protecting lives. This tragic incident underscores the dangers that can occur when a vehicle is operated recklessly or in violation of the law.
Rosales’ family has been notified, and the investigation is ongoing. Additional details about the crash, the drivers involved, and any potential charges are expected to be released as authorities complete their review. Residents who may have witnessed the crash or have additional information are encouraged to contact the South Bend Police Department.
This event serves as a reminder of the importance of traffic safety and the potential consequences when vehicles are driven in unsafe or unlawful ways. Police and investigators continue to work diligently to ensure a thorough examination of the crash and its circumstances.
