Full Notification

PRESS  RELEASE
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                    
 
July 8, 2024
 
Petaluma Police Department DUI Checkpoint results in one DUI arrest.
 
Petaluma, CA – The Petaluma Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on July 6^th, 2024, on Petaluma Blvd N at Gossage Ave between 6:00 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:
 

• 1202 Vehicles through the checkpoint
• 1085 Vehicles Screened
• 1 Suspect arrested for DUI alcohol.
• 2 Drivers were cited for driving on a suspended license.
• 13 Drivers were cited for driving without a license.

 
The driver who was arrested for DUI entered the checkpoint at approximately 80 mph and nearly collided with another motorist who was stopped and talking with one of our officers.  After the near collision, the driver failed to stop at the checkpoint as directed and had to be chased down.  When officers caught up to the driver, he yielded on Corona Road and was subsequently arrested for DUI.
 
Over the 4^th of July holiday weekend, 5 drivers were arrested for Driving Under the Influence in Petaluma.
 
The Petaluma Police Department encourages people who visit and enjoy Petaluma, to plan ahead and either designate a sober 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 Checkpoint 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