Full Notification

Incident:                      DUI Driver Involved in Collision Arrested
Report Numbers:         23-5591
Occurred Date :           December 27, 2023
Charges:                      Driving Under the Influence (23152 CVC) 
 
On Wednesday, December 27, 2023, at approximately 01:45 am, a Petaluma Police Officer conducting routine patrol in the area of East D Street and Copeland Street, observed vehicle debris on the sidewalk and damage to a city street sign. As the officer continued south on Lakeville Street, he located a vehicle which had collided into the curb fronting the Gateway Shopping Center. The vehicle was blocking a lane of traffic, was missing a front bumper similar to the one found on East D St. and was occupied by a solo male occupant.
 
Officers discovered the driver, Bernabe Zuniga-Jaramillo (44), displayed objective signs of alcohol intoxication and initiated a DUI investigation.  The investigating officer determined Zuniga-Jaramillo had been operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and placed him under arrest.  Zuniga-Jaramillo was subsequently transported to the Sonoma County Jail where he was booked for DUI. Zuniga-Jaramillo had a suspended driver’s license for a prior DUI and his vehicle was impounded.
 
The Petaluma Police Department continues to be committed to increasing traffic safety and to reducing the number of alcohol-related collisions. Petaluma Police advise motorists to plan accordingly when consuming alcoholic beverages by designating a sober driver or sharing 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 may be directed to Lieutenant Matt Parnow at [email protected] or by phone 707-778-4372.