Full Notification

PRESS  RELEASE
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                    
 
September 2, 2024
 
 
Petaluma Police Department DUI Checkpoints Nets 6 Arrests
 
Petaluma, CA – The Petaluma Police Department Traffic Unit conducted two DUI/Drivers License checkpoints on August 31, 2024.  The first checkpoint was positioned on East Washington Street near the Petaluma Airport between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.  The second checkpoint was positioned on Petaluma Boulevard North at Oak Street between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 1:30 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 Checkpoints.
 
Location #1- East Washington Street
333 Vehicles Screened
 
One Driver was driving on the opposing side of traffic from the checkpoint.  He was observed driving over traffic cones and weaving at a high rate of speed.  Gaspar Garfia (47 Petaluma) was stopped a short distance away.  Garfia displayed signs and symptoms of intoxication.  Garfia was subsequently arrested for DUI.  Garfia was booked at county jail for DUI charges as he has had a previous DUI conviction.
 
7 Drivers were cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked.
 
Location #2- Petaluma Boulevard North
143 Vehicles Screened
 
Three drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol as a result of the DUI checkpoint.
 
 
As of this writing, The Petaluma Police Department has arrested 7 drivers for driving under the influence of alcohol over the Labor Day Holiday Weekend. 
 
 
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