Community
DUI Driver Arrested After Running from Scene of Collision
Incident: DUI Driver Arrested After Injury Hit-and-Run Collision
Report Number: 24-2049
Occurred Date : May 19, 2024
Occurred Time: 01:17 a.m.
Location: 1500 block of E Washington St, Petaluma
Suspects: Frank Powers Monachello (40, Petaluma)
Charges: DUI Collision Causing Injury (23153 CVC),
Injury Hit and Run Collision (20001CVC),
Reckless Driving (23103 CVC),
Resist/Obstruct Police Officer (148 PC)
On Sunday, May 19, 2024, at approximately 01:17 a.m., personnel from the Petaluma Police Department along with the Petaluma Fire Department were dispatched to the 1500 block of E Washington St on report of a vehicle collision. Upon arrival, officers located two involved vehicles and observed one involved driver, later identified as Frank Powers Monachello, fleeing from the scene on foot.
Powers Monachello fled southbound from the scene of the collision into a nearby creek that runs between E Washington St and Maria Dr. While officers searched for Powers Monachello, other officers along with Petaluma Fire personnel, evaluated the two occupants in the victim vehicle-- a 55 year old female passenger and a 58 year old female driver, both of whom were Petaluma residents. The 55 year old was treated for minor injuries at the scene and the 58 year old was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries.
Based on witness statements and damage to the vehicles, it was apparent that Powers Monachello was traveling at an unsafe and excessive speed prior to colliding into the rear of the other vehicle.
An area resident notified officers that a subject had been in the backyard of his home and had jumped his rear fence. Officers were able to focus on a smaller area to search and were assisted by a Sonoma County Sheriff Department K-9. Ultimately, Powers Monachello was located hiding in the creek. Powers Monachello complied with police commands and was taken into custody without further incident.
Powers Monachello was evaluated by paramedics on scene for injuries sustained because of the collision. He displayed objective signs of alcohol intoxication, and a DUI investigation was completed. Officers determined Powers Monachello was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision and that he had also sustained minor injuries.
Powers Monachello was subsequently arrested and charged with felony DUI, felony Hit-and-Run vehicle collision, misdemeanor reckless driving, and misdemeanor resisting/obstructing a police officer. Powers Monachello was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance and later transported to the Sonoma County Jail where he was booked on the listed charges.
The Petaluma Police Department would like to thank the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance. Additionally, the Petaluma Police Department is grateful for the assistance from area residents who aided in the capture of the fleeing suspect.
Media inquiries maybe directed to Lieutenant Garrett Glaviano at [email protected] or phone 707-778-4372. PPD Case 24-2049.
DUI Driver Arrested After Running from Scene of Collision 
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release Sunday, May 19, 2024
Issued By:Sergeant Mario Giomi, Petaluma PD, 707.778.4372
Incident: DUI Driver Arrested After Injury Hit-and-Run Collision
Report Number: 24-2049
Occurred Date : May 19, 2024
Occurred Time: 01:17 a.m.
Location: 1500 block of E Washington St, Petaluma
Suspects: Frank Powers Monachello (40, Petaluma)
Charges: DUI Collision Causing Injury (23153 CVC),
Injury Hit and Run Collision (20001CVC),
Reckless Driving (23103 CVC),
Resist/Obstruct Police Officer (148 PC)
Incident Summary
On Sunday, May 19, 2024, at approximately 01:17 a.m., personnel from the Petaluma Police Department along with the Petaluma Fire Department were dispatched to the 1500 block of E Washington St on report of a vehicle collision. Upon arrival, officers located two involved vehicles and observed one involved driver, later identified as Frank Powers Monachello, fleeing from the scene on foot.
Powers Monachello fled southbound from the scene of the collision into a nearby creek that runs between E Washington St and Maria Dr. While officers searched for Powers Monachello, other officers along with Petaluma Fire personnel, evaluated the two occupants in the victim vehicle-- a 55 year old female passenger and a 58 year old female driver, both of whom were Petaluma residents. The 55 year old was treated for minor injuries at the scene and the 58 year old was transported to a local hospital for minor injuries.
Based on witness statements and damage to the vehicles, it was apparent that Powers Monachello was traveling at an unsafe and excessive speed prior to colliding into the rear of the other vehicle.
An area resident notified officers that a subject had been in the backyard of his home and had jumped his rear fence. Officers were able to focus on a smaller area to search and were assisted by a Sonoma County Sheriff Department K-9. Ultimately, Powers Monachello was located hiding in the creek. Powers Monachello complied with police commands and was taken into custody without further incident.
Powers Monachello was evaluated by paramedics on scene for injuries sustained because of the collision. He displayed objective signs of alcohol intoxication, and a DUI investigation was completed. Officers determined Powers Monachello was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision and that he had also sustained minor injuries.
Powers Monachello was subsequently arrested and charged with felony DUI, felony Hit-and-Run vehicle collision, misdemeanor reckless driving, and misdemeanor resisting/obstructing a police officer. Powers Monachello was transported to a local hospital for medical clearance and later transported to the Sonoma County Jail where he was booked on the listed charges.
The Petaluma Police Department would like to thank the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office for their assistance. Additionally, the Petaluma Police Department is grateful for the assistance from area residents who aided in the capture of the fleeing suspect.
Media inquiries maybe directed to Lieutenant Garrett Glaviano at [email protected] or phone 707-778-4372. PPD Case 24-2049.
Address/Location
Petaluma Police Department
969 Petaluma Blvd N
Petaluma, CA 94952
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 707-778-4372
TEXT-A-TIP - Text TIP PETPD followed by your message, to 888777
