Community
DUI Driver Leads Officers on Pursuit and Flees Into Wooded Area
Incident: DUI Driver Leads Officers on Pursuit and Flees Into Wooded Area
Occurred Date : March 9th, 2025
Occurred Time: 6:45 PM
Location: 1010 Lakeville Highway (In N Out Burger), Petaluma
Suspect: Christian Gaussen-Butler (26-year-old Petaluma Resident)
On 3/9/2025, at 6:45 PM, officers were dispatched to In n’ Out Burger for a male subject in the drive-thru line displaying signs of alcohol intoxication. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the driver as he exited the drive-thru, who was later identified as Christian Gaussen-Butler. Gaussen-Butler initially complied and parked his vehicle where an officer observed signs of alcohol intoxication. However, seconds later Gaussen-Butler fled southbound on Highway 101 at a high rate of speed.
Based on Gaussen-Butler’s perceived alcohol intoxication and subsequent flight, officers weighed the importance of protecting the public and balancing the known or suspected offense and the apparent need for immediate capture against the risks to officers, innocent motorists, and others. Officers pursued Gaussen-Butler for approximately 3 miles on southbound Highway 101 before ultimately terminating the pursuit based on Gaussen-Butler’s erratic lane changes, excessive speed, and passing other motorists on the shoulder. Officers lost sight of Gaussen-Butler just prior to the San Antonio Road exit.
Approximately ten minutes later, the California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a vehicle collision in the area of San Antonio Road and Leghorn Lane. A vehicle had collided into a power pole and live wires were down across the roadway. With the assistance of Sonoma County Sheriff’s “Henry-1”, they were able to confirm the vehicle as being the same involved in the pursuit. “Henry-1” was able to locate Gaussen-Butler hiding in a heavily wooded hillside .25 miles from the collision scene.
“Henry-1” coordinated a perimeter with Petaluma Police Officers, Sonoma County Sheriff Deputies, and CHP. Officers contacted Gaussen-Butler on the hillside where he again fled on foot through several creek beds, fences, and open fields. Ultimately Gaussen-Butler surrendered and was taken into custody with minor injuries, presumably from the vehicle collision and/or flight from law enforcement personnel. Gaussen-Butler was evaluated on scene by the Petaluma Fire Department personnel and later transported to a local hospital where he was further evaluated and received treatment for his injuries.
Gaussen-Butler’s arrest included felony evading, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving on a suspended license, and resisting arrest.
The Petaluma Police Department would like to extend our appreciation to the California Highway Patrol, Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, and the crew of Helicopter Henry-1 for their assistance in apprehending and safely taking Gaussen-Butler into custody.
Media Inquiries should be directed to Lieutenant Zilverio Rivera (707)781-1277.
DUI Driver Leads Officers on Pursuit and Flees Into Wooded Area 
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Issued By: Sergeant Ronnie Flores, Petaluma PD, (707) 778-4450, rflores@cityofpetaluma.org
Incident: DUI Driver Leads Officers on Pursuit and Flees Into Wooded Area
Occurred Date : March 9th, 2025
Occurred Time: 6:45 PM
Location: 1010 Lakeville Highway (In N Out Burger), Petaluma
Suspect: Christian Gaussen-Butler (26-year-old Petaluma Resident)
Incident Summary
On 3/9/2025, at 6:45 PM, officers were dispatched to In n’ Out Burger for a male subject in the drive-thru line displaying signs of alcohol intoxication. Officers conducted a traffic stop on the driver as he exited the drive-thru, who was later identified as Christian Gaussen-Butler. Gaussen-Butler initially complied and parked his vehicle where an officer observed signs of alcohol intoxication. However, seconds later Gaussen-Butler fled southbound on Highway 101 at a high rate of speed.
Based on Gaussen-Butler’s perceived alcohol intoxication and subsequent flight, officers weighed the importance of protecting the public and balancing the known or suspected offense and the apparent need for immediate capture against the risks to officers, innocent motorists, and others. Officers pursued Gaussen-Butler for approximately 3 miles on southbound Highway 101 before ultimately terminating the pursuit based on Gaussen-Butler’s erratic lane changes, excessive speed, and passing other motorists on the shoulder. Officers lost sight of Gaussen-Butler just prior to the San Antonio Road exit.
Approximately ten minutes later, the California Highway Patrol were dispatched to a vehicle collision in the area of San Antonio Road and Leghorn Lane. A vehicle had collided into a power pole and live wires were down across the roadway. With the assistance of Sonoma County Sheriff’s “Henry-1”, they were able to confirm the vehicle as being the same involved in the pursuit. “Henry-1” was able to locate Gaussen-Butler hiding in a heavily wooded hillside .25 miles from the collision scene.
“Henry-1” coordinated a perimeter with Petaluma Police Officers, Sonoma County Sheriff Deputies, and CHP. Officers contacted Gaussen-Butler on the hillside where he again fled on foot through several creek beds, fences, and open fields. Ultimately Gaussen-Butler surrendered and was taken into custody with minor injuries, presumably from the vehicle collision and/or flight from law enforcement personnel. Gaussen-Butler was evaluated on scene by the Petaluma Fire Department personnel and later transported to a local hospital where he was further evaluated and received treatment for his injuries.
Gaussen-Butler’s arrest included felony evading, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving on a suspended license, and resisting arrest.
The Petaluma Police Department would like to extend our appreciation to the California Highway Patrol, Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, and the crew of Helicopter Henry-1 for their assistance in apprehending and safely taking Gaussen-Butler into custody.
Media Inquiries should be directed to Lieutenant Zilverio Rivera (707)781-1277.
Address/Location
Petaluma Police Department
969 Petaluma Blvd N
Petaluma, CA 94952
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 707-778-4372