Full Notification

Motorcyclist Crashes During Pursuit


On Thursday, December 31, at approximately 6:10pm, a sergeant with the Sonoma Police Department observed a motorcycle being driven by a male on Hwy 12 near Siesta Way. The motorcycle had it’s hazard lights flashing and was being driven slowly and erratically. The sergeant initiated a traffic stop utilizing his lights and siren, but the motorcyclist sped away. The sergeant was unable to pursue to motorcyclist due to the traffic conditions, but provided a description of the motorcycle and rider to other patrol units in the area.

A short time later, a deputy with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office located the motorcyclist on Hwy 12 near East Thompson. The motorcycle still had its hazard lights activated. The deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop, but the motorcyclist fled once again.

The deputy pursued the motorcyclist, which was driving erratically at both low and high speeds. The pursuit continued southbound on Hwy 12 into the City of Sonoma, where other deputies joined in the pursuit. The motorcyclist reached speeds of about 60 mph and the traffic conditions were light.

The motorcyclist conducted a U-turn at W. Napa Street and accelerated quickly north on Hwy 12. At the intersection with W. Spain Street, the motorcycle drove through a red light, collided with a car making a left turn from W. Spain Street and then struck another vehicle head-on that was in the left turn lane on Hwy 12.

The collision ejected the driver from the motorcycle, where he sustained major injuries. Medical personnel treated him on scene before air lifting him to Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa. His condition is unknown at this time.

The two vehicles that were struck by the motorcycle sustained major damage, but no injuries were reported by the occupants.

The collision investigation is being conducted by accident investigators from the Sonoma and Windsor Police Departments with assistance from the Sheriff’s Crime Scene Investigations Unit.

Deputies believe alcohol was a factor in collision, so a search warrant was obtained for a blood draw. The sample was sent to the Department of Justice for analysis.

The suspect was identified as 49 year old John Ogata, a resident of Sonoma Valley. Once cleared medically, he will be arrested for DUI and felony evading.

Prepared by Chief Bret Sackett, Sonoma Police Department, 996-3602.