Full Notification

On Wednesday, October 12, 2022, at approximately 6:08 PM, Petaluma PD Traffic Officers responded to a Hit and Run collision in the 400 block of Kenilworth Drive.  The officers arrived and determined the suspect had fled on foot but had parked his vehicle nearby.  Officers located the damaged suspect vehicle in the Target parking lot.  After a few minutes, the suspect, Jeremy Beckman (36 years old, Cotati resident), returned to his vehicle.  Beckman spontaneously told the officers that he was drunk and caused the collision.  Officers conducted a DUI investigation and determined Beckman was under the influence of alcohol.   He was arrested for DUI and Hit and Run.  He was also determined to be on probation for DUI and was not to be driving while under the influence of alcohol or any other substances.   Beckman was determined to be a .12% BAC and was later transported to Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility. 
 
Petaluma PD has made 241 DUI arrests since January 1, 2022.   During the same period in 2021, PPD made 130 DUI arrests.   Also, since January 1, 2022, there have been 59 DUI related collisions resulting in 13 injuries.  During the same period in 2021, there were 42 DUI related injuries, resulting in 14 injuries.   The Petaluma Police Department Traffic Unit recently was awarded a $200,000.00 traffic safety grant.  Part of the funding will be for increased DUI Saturation Patrols and DUI Checkpoints. 
Petaluma Police advise motorist to plan ahead if you’re going to go out and drink alcohol, designate a sober driver or share a ride.  Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
Media inquiries maybe directed to Lieutenant Tim Lyons at [email protected] or phone 707-778-4372. PPD Case 22-4416.