Full Notification

Incident:                       DUI Driver Arrested after Collision
Report Number:           23-4061
Occurred Date :           September 12, 2023
Occurred Time:            10:58 p.m.
Location:                      Adobe Creek Dr at Ely Blvd S    
Suspects:                     Nicole Ortiz (24-year-old, Petaluma)
Charges:                      Driving Under the Influence (23152(a) CVC)
                                     Driving on a Suspended License from a                                                                 Prior DUI (14601.2(a) CVC)
                                   

 
On September 12, 2023, at approximately 10:58 p.m., personnel from the Petaluma Police Department along with the Petaluma Fire Department were dispatched to the area of Adobe Creek Dr and Ely Blvd South on report of a solo vehicle collision.   
 
Officers arrived on scene and located a blue Honda Civic that had collided into a traffic sign and a large rock in the median of Adobe Creek Dr.  The Honda sustained major front end damage and the airbags deployed.  The driver/solo occupant of the vehicle was identified as Nicole Ortiz, a 24 year old resident of Petaluma.  Ortiz was evaluated by a paramedic at the scene and ultimately transported to a hospital for treatment and further evaluation.
 
Ortiz appeared to have been traveling westbound on Adobe Creek Dr and collided into a traffic sign, onto the median and into a large rock just east of Ely Blvd S.  The investigating officer arrived on scene and located an open alcoholic beverage in the center console of the vehicle and learned Ortiz’ driver license was suspended from a prior DUI.     
 
During the investigation, Ortiz was determined to have been driving the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol.  Ortiz was placed under arrest for DUI and for driving on a suspended driver license from a prior DUI.  Ortiz’ vehicle was towed from the scene and impounded for 30-days. 
 
The Petaluma Police Department has been committed to increasing traffic safety, especially reducing the number of alcohol-related collisions. 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 Garrett Glaviano at [email protected] or phone 707-778-4372. PPD Case 23-4061.