Full Notification

PRESS  RELEASE
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:                                    
 
September 16, 2024
 
 
Petaluma Police Department DUI Checkpoint Nets 3 Arrests
 
Petaluma, CA – The Petaluma Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on September 13, 2024, on Sonoma Mountain Parkway near Rainier Circle between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.  A secondary DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint was conducted on East Washington Street near Lakeville Street between the hours of 9:50 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.
 
Location #1- Sonoma Mountain Parkway
464 Vehicles Screened
 
7 Drivers were cited for operating a vehicle unlicensed.
 
Location #2 East Washington Street
502 Vehicles Screened

3 drivers were arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol.
1 driver was arrested for possession of drugs.
15 drivers were cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked.
 
 
The Petaluma Police Department encourages people who visit and enjoy Petaluma, to plan ahead and either designate a sobor 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 Saturation Patrol 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