GPD continues investigations into two fatal crashes involving airman, minor

The Guam Police Department's Highway Patrol Division continues to investigate two fatal crashes, one involving an on-duty police officer and a U.S. Air Force service member, and the other involving a minor pedestrian.

The first investigation centers on the death of Rueben Rausch, a member of the U.S. Air Force's 36th Security Forces Squadron, whose motorcycle collided with a GPD patrol vehicle at about 2 a.m. July 11 along Route 1 near American Grocery in Yigo.

The patrol vehicle was driven by GPD Officer Jayson H. Nedelec, according to information provided by police.

GPD spokesperson Norman Analista said Saturday that the investigation remains open, and police are awaiting a toxicology report.

“After the toxicology report is submitted, GPD will confer with the Attorney General's Office before finalizing and concluding the case,” Analista said.

Analista was seeking clarification on whether the pending toxicology report concerns Rausch or Nedelec.

The second investigation stems from a fatal auto-pedestrian crash that killed Kailey Mendiola, a minor, on Route 26 near the former Lada Mart in Mangilao.

“The crash occurred on Oct. 6 around 7:50 a.m. in Latte Heights, Mangilao. Guam Highway Patrol Division assumed control of the investigation and the case remains active and ongoing. There is no further releasable information at this time,” Analista said.

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