Full Notification

PRESS  RELEASE
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                    
 
August 19, 2024
 
 
Petaluma Police Department DUI Checkpoint Nets 3 Arrests
 
Petaluma, CA – The Petaluma Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on August 17, 2024 on Old Redwood Hwy between Redwood Way and N. McDowell Blvd. between the hours of 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/Drivers 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:
 
Location #1-
748 Vehicles Screened
 
One Driver was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.  Reno Ayers (31 Martinez) came though the checkpoint and refused to identify himself.  Ayers displayed signs and symptoms of intoxication.  Ayers was subsequently arrested for DUI and delaying an investigation.  Ayers was found to be driving on a suspended license for a previous DUI, had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for DUI and was currently on probation for DUI.  Ayers was booked for felony DUI charges as he has had previous DUI convictions.
 
19 Drivers were cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked.

One driver was arrested for driving on a suspended license and for possessing drug paraphernalia. 
 
One additional driver was arrested for an outstanding warrant. 
 
 
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