Hailey
A serious street racing crash in Emporia, Kansas, has led to formal charges against two people — a juvenile and an adult. Lyon County Attorney Amy Aranda officially named the juvenile suspect involved in the case, marking a key step in the ongoing legal process.
The incident, which happened last week, left two victims injured and raised concerns over the dangers of high-speed street racing in residential areas.
Juvenile Suspect Identified
According to Attorney Amy Aranda, the juvenile involved has been named Fernando Rodriguez-Williams. While his age and hometown have not been disclosed, he is now facing two counts of aggravated battery.
- A court hearing date for Rodriguez-Williams has not yet been set.
- His charges follow soon after an adult suspect was charged in the same case.
Adult Suspect in the Case
The adult driver, identified as 31-year-old Patricio Morales of Emporia, is facing multiple charges:
- Two counts of aggravated battery
- One count of reckless driving
- One count of racing on highways
Morales is scheduled to make his first court appearance on August 20.
How the Incident Happened
Police say the incident took place shortly before 5 PM last Thursday in the 300 block of East Sixth Avenue in Emporia. According to investigators:
- Morales and Rodriguez-Williams were allegedly racing at high speeds.
- Morales’ car broadsided another vehicle driven by Ahmad Scott of Emporia.
- Scott and his passenger, Malik Dorsey, were both injured and taken to Newman Regional Health.
- Morales was arrested shortly after the crash.
- Rodriguez-Williams allegedly fled the scene but was later arrested.
Charges Filed
| Name | Age | Charges Filed | Court Date | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fernando Rodriguez-Williams | Not disclosed | 2 counts of aggravated battery | Not announced | Juvenile suspect; fled scene |
| Patricio Morales | 31 | 2 counts aggravated battery, reckless driving, racing on highways | Aug. 20, 2025 | Adult suspect; arrested after crash |
Legal Definitions of Charges
Aggravated Battery – In Kansas law, this means causing serious injury to another person intentionally or recklessly.
Reckless Driving – Driving in a way that shows a willful disregard for safety.
Racing on Highways – Participating in a speed contest on a public road, which is illegal and considered dangerous.
Impact on Victims
Both Ahmad Scott and Malik Dorsey suffered injuries from the crash. While the exact nature of the injuries has not been disclosed, their hospitalization shows the serious impact of street racing accidents.
The community has expressed concerns, calling for stricter enforcement of speeding and racing laws.
Police Investigation and Arrests
The Emporia Police Department acted quickly after the crash:
- Eyewitness reports confirmed the two cars were racing.
- Morales was taken into custody at the scene.
- Rodriguez-Williams was located and arrested later, after fleeing.
Community Reaction
Local residents say this is not the first time speeding cars have been seen on East Sixth Avenue.
Many are calling for:
- Increased police patrols in the area
- Speed cameras to deter reckless driving
- Harsher penalties for street racing
Court Proceedings Ahead
With both drivers now charged, the legal process will move forward:
- Morales’ case will begin on August 20, 2025.
- Rodriguez-Williams’ hearing date is pending.
- Both face serious consequences if convicted, including jail time, fines, and loss of driving privileges.
The Emporia street racing crash is a serious reminder of the dangers of reckless driving and illegal racing. The charges against both the juvenile and the adult driver show that law enforcement is taking strong action.
As the case unfolds, it highlights the need for community awareness, strict law enforcement, and responsible driving to prevent similar tragedies in the future.