Full Notification

PRESS  RELEASE
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                    
 
August 21, 2023
 
 
Petaluma Police Department DUI Checkpoint Nets 1 Arrest
 
Petaluma, CA – The Petaluma Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on August 19, 2023, on Sonoma Mountain Parkway near Rainier Circle between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.  A secondary DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint was conducted on Petaluma Boulevard South near Highway 101 between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 2:00 a.m.  Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers as well as the public.  
 
DUI/Driver’s License checkpoints have been shown to lower DUI deaths and injuries.  A major component of these checkpoints are the deterrent effects it has on those who might drive drunk or drugged impaired, bringing about more awareness and encouraging everyone to use sober designated drivers.  
 
Most drivers screened during the checkpoint were cooperative and appreciative of Petaluma Police Department’s efforts in trying to deter drunk driving.
 
The following are statistics from the DUI/DL Checkpoint.
 
Location #1- Sonoma Mountain Parkway
401 Vehicles Screened
One Driver was arrested for an outstanding warrant for a previous DUI offense, driving on a suspended license and probation violation. 
 
14 Drivers were cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked.
 
Location #2 Petaluma Boulevard South
98 Vehicles Screened
6 drivers were cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked.
 
 
The Petaluma Police Department encourages people who visit and enjoy Petaluma, to plan ahead and either designate a sobor driver, use ride share or call a taxi to avoid drinking and driving.  Driving Under the Influence is 100% preventable. 
            
The Petaluma Police Department is committed to increasing overall traffic safety and reducing the number of alcohol-related collisions.  We will continue our efforts to locate and identify impaired drivers.  Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 to $20,000 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
 
Funding for the DUI Saturation Patrol was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Issued By:
Sergeant Walt Spiller, Petaluma PD, 707-778-4596