Coalinga Man Arrested for DUI After Fleeing Crash Scene

Ernesto Salatiel Avina Rodriguez left his license plate behind, leading police to his location.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:36pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

An extreme close-up of a shattered car headlight lens reflecting a harsh, direct flash of light, conceptually illustrating the aftermath of a DUI-related crash.A discarded license plate left at the scene of a DUI-related collision exposes the human cost of drunk driving.Coalinga Today

A 35-year-old Coalinga man has been arrested on felony charges of DUI with injuries and hit-and-run after fleeing the scene of a collision where his vehicle collided with another car, pinning the other driver. Police were able to track down Ernesto Salatiel Avina Rodriguez after his license plate was found at the crash site.

Why it matters

Driving under the influence and leaving the scene of an accident are serious offenses that endanger public safety. This case highlights how even small pieces of evidence like a license plate can be used to hold DUI suspects accountable for their actions.

The details

Around 5:40 p.m. on April 10, Coalinga police responded to a collision between a white Chevrolet pickup truck and a red Honda Accord at the intersection of Elm Avenue and Seventh Street. The driver of the Honda was trapped and had to be extricated by the fire department before being transported to a local hospital. The other driver, later identified as Ernesto Salatiel Avina Rodriguez, had fled the scene, but his truck's license plate was found among the debris.

  • The collision occurred around 5:40 p.m. on April 10, 2026.
  • Rodriguez was arrested later that evening.

The players

Ernesto Salatiel Avina Rodriguez

A 35-year-old Coalinga resident who was arrested on felony charges of DUI with injuries and hit-and-run after fleeing the scene of a collision.

Coalinga Police Department

The law enforcement agency that investigated the collision, tracked down Rodriguez, and placed him under arrest.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Officers reported Rodriguez admitted to driving the vehicle and leaving the scene, attempting to minimize his version of the collision.”

— Coalinga Police Department

What’s next

Rodriguez is expected to be arraigned in court later this week, where a judge will determine if he should be released on bail or held in custody pending trial.

The takeaway

This case serves as a reminder that even seemingly minor pieces of evidence like a discarded license plate can be crucial in holding DUI suspects accountable and ensuring they face the full legal consequences of their actions.