Full Notification

On Friday, April 18, 2025, at approximately 0630 hours, the Petaluma Police Department Dispatch Center received an emergency call from a community member reporting a vehicle crash in the area of “D” Street and 12^th St. Members from the Petaluma Fire Department and Police Department arrived within minutes of the call. They located an injured pedestrian in the roadway.  The pedestrian was determined to be crossing the street in a marked crosswalk when she was struck by a minivan.
 
During the investigation, officers contacted Alexander McDonald (38), the driver of the involved vehicle. McDonald was not injured as a result of the crash. Officers discovered McDonald displayed objective signs of alcohol intoxication and initiated a DUI investigation.  The investigating officer determined McDonald had been operating his vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and placed him under arrest. McDonald was subsequently transported to the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility. McDonald was booked on violation of 23153 CVC- DUI Crash with Injury. The injured party was transported by Petaluma Fire Department to a local medical facility. She is expected to survive.
 
The Petaluma Police Department continues to be committed to increasing traffic safety and to reducing the number of alcohol-related crashes. Petaluma Police advise motorists to plan accordingly when consuming alcoholic beverages by designating a sober driver or sharing a ride.  Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
 
Media inquiries may be directed to Lieutenant Jeremy Walsh at jwalsh@cityofpetaluma.org or by phone 707-776-3743.