Community
DUI Driver Arrested After Collision
Incident: DUI Driver Arrested After Collision
Report Number: 24-0879
Occurred Date : February 27, 2024
Occurred Time: 10:48 p.m.
Location: 1401 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma
Suspects: Ellen Eicher (55, Rohnert Park)
Charges: Driving Under the Influence (23152 CVC)
On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at approximately 10:48 p.m., a concerned citizen flagged down an officer in the area of N McDowell Blvd and Old Redwood Hwy regarding a possible intoxicated driver. The citizen reported they had followed a Ford Ranger southbound on the freeway and observed the vehicle traveling 30mph on the freeway and weaving. The Ford Ranger reportedly exited the freeway at Petaluma Blvd North and pulled into Jack in the Box parking lot on N McDowell Blvd. The citizen additionally provided a description of the driver.
Upon arrival at Jack in the Box, the patrol officer located the described vehicle and driver. As the officer approached the vehicle to contact the driver, the vehicle started and pulled into the drive-thru. While navigating the drive-thru, the vehicle jumped the curb and collided with landscaping, ripping plants from the ground. The officer was able to stop and contact the driver, who was identified as Ellen Eicher of Rohnert Park.
Upon contact, Eicher displayed objective signs of alcohol intoxication and admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages at a bar in Cotati. Eicher indicated she was on her way home to Rohnert Park. Officers conducted a DUI investigation and at the conclusion of the investigation determined Eicher was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Eicher was subsequently placed under arrest. Eicher was later transported to the Sonoma County Jail where she was booked on the associated charges.
We would like to thank the concerned citizen who flagged down a police officer to ensure the safety of community members and other motorists.
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 24-0879.
DUI Driver Arrested After Collision 
Issued By:
Sergeant Mario Giomi, Petaluma PD, 707.778.4372
Incident: DUI Driver Arrested After Collision
Report Number: 24-0879
Occurred Date : February 27, 2024
Occurred Time: 10:48 p.m.
Location: 1401 N McDowell Blvd, Petaluma
Suspects: Ellen Eicher (55, Rohnert Park)
Charges: Driving Under the Influence (23152 CVC)
Incident Summary
On Tuesday, February 27, 2024, at approximately 10:48 p.m., a concerned citizen flagged down an officer in the area of N McDowell Blvd and Old Redwood Hwy regarding a possible intoxicated driver. The citizen reported they had followed a Ford Ranger southbound on the freeway and observed the vehicle traveling 30mph on the freeway and weaving. The Ford Ranger reportedly exited the freeway at Petaluma Blvd North and pulled into Jack in the Box parking lot on N McDowell Blvd. The citizen additionally provided a description of the driver.
Upon arrival at Jack in the Box, the patrol officer located the described vehicle and driver. As the officer approached the vehicle to contact the driver, the vehicle started and pulled into the drive-thru. While navigating the drive-thru, the vehicle jumped the curb and collided with landscaping, ripping plants from the ground. The officer was able to stop and contact the driver, who was identified as Ellen Eicher of Rohnert Park.
Upon contact, Eicher displayed objective signs of alcohol intoxication and admitted to consuming alcoholic beverages at a bar in Cotati. Eicher indicated she was on her way home to Rohnert Park. Officers conducted a DUI investigation and at the conclusion of the investigation determined Eicher was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol. Eicher was subsequently placed under arrest. Eicher was later transported to the Sonoma County Jail where she was booked on the associated charges.
We would like to thank the concerned citizen who flagged down a police officer to ensure the safety of community members and other motorists.
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 24-0879.
Address/Location
Petaluma Police Department
969 Petaluma Blvd N
Petaluma, CA 94952
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 707-778-4372