Full Notification

On Sunday March 5, 2023, at approximately 10:43 am, a Petaluma Patrol Officer attempted a traffic enforcement stop on a vehicle for multiple vehicle code violations. The vehicle was driving northbound on North McDowell Boulevard in the area of Old Redwood Highway when the officer positioned his patrol vehicle behind the violator’s vehicle. The officer activated the emergency lighting of the patrol vehicle and the violator appeared to yield by pulling into a small shopping center. The violator slowly made his way through the parking lot but did not yield.  The officer activated the patrol vehicle’s siren to ensure the violator was aware of his intention to stop his vehicle. The driver of vehicle (later identified as Brandon Conwell, Vacaville) failed to yield, turned onto northbound Redwood Highway, and fled at a high rate of speed. Conwell continued northbound on Old Redwood Highway to Cotati, was forced to reduce his speed due to vehicular traffic as he drove northbound on Old Redwood Highway, through Cotati. Conwell turned into Gilbert Court, Cotati, and lost control of his vehicle, which caused it to fishtail, and a Petaluma Patrol vehicle collided with the rear driver’s side quarter panel of the vehicle Conwell’s was driving. Conwell exited the vehicle and fled on foot to the Walgreen’s shopping center where he was detained by a Petaluma Patrol Officer who was assisted by Cotati PD and Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office personnel. A female passenger was detained at the vehicle and later released. Medics responded to the scene and cleared after determining no significant medical aid was necessary. The vehicle pursuit lasted approximately 5.7 miles. Conwell was taken into custody without further incident. He was determined to be on active Solano County PRCS (Probation), had two active felony warrants for his arrest, in addition to the on-view violations of, Evading Officers (2800.2 (a) CVC), Obstruct/Resist Peace off. (148 (A)(1) PC), and Felony Possession of Stolen Property (496 (a) PC). Conwell was medically cleared after complaining of an unidentified medical ailment and was later booked at the Main Adult Detention Facility per the above listed violations.
 
Vehicle pursuits are inherently dangerous to the offender, the officers, and our community. The Petaluma Police Department urges everyone to follow the rules of the road and yield to the right for all emergency vehicles approaching with emergency lighting and siren activated.