Police: Man live streams video of himself driving recklessly, crashing

PROVIDENCE, R.I. — A Rhode Island man live streamed video of himself going more than 100 miles per hour through traffic on Facebook live...before crashing.

It all came to a sudden end when he slammed into the median and hit a garbage truck.

The 20-year-old man was upgraded to fair condition, but police say his initial injuries were critical when his joy ride ended with that violent crash.

Rhode Island state police say the video is perfect example of what not to do while driving.

Onasi Olio-Rojas streamed live Wednesday on his Facebook page while he was on a high-speed joy-ride on Routes and 10 and 6 in Providence.

"He's well over 100 miles an hour, in a congested area. Several lane changes, in and out of traffic. In the break-down lane. Back to lanes of travel," R.I. State Police Captain John Allen said.

Rojas does this all while filming the speedometer on his dashboard.

"It's a grand slam of things not to do. Phone in your hand. No seat belt. Traveling at a high rate of speed. In and out of traffic," Capt. Allen emphasized.

State police verified the video's authenticity by comparing it to traffic cameras.

They're positive that's the driver, video-taping his reckless driving moments before the accident.

The video cuts out, just before Rojas hits a garbage truck and loses control.

The accident reconstruction team says his Honda was going about 90 miles an hour when it hit the truck, which was barely damaged.

Rojas' car was destroyed, and it took firefighters awhile to get him out.

"But I've never seen anything like that. And for other people to watch it. I would hope it's eye-opening for anyone else," Capt. Allen said.

State police reached out to Facebook directly, putting a legal request for the social media network to save that live stream.

The video will be used as evidence against Rojas in court.

"How do you beat the video? I don't think you can, I think it pretty much puts the nail on the coffin for Mr. Rojas," Allen said.

Despite the fact that he's only 20, Rojas has a lengthy traffic record -- including two prior accidents.

State police say he was responsible for a crash that sent a driver to the hospital with minor injuries in February. Two weeks later, he sideswiped a DOT truck.

Despite all of this, police say they aren't able to bring felony charges since no one else was hurt in this most recent accident.

He will be charged with reckless driving, speeding and driving with a suspended license.

CNN