On Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at approximately 5:54 p.m., officers were patrolling in the area of Sonoma Mountain Parkway and Reisling Road when they were flagged down by a citizen regarding a report of an unresponsive driver behind the wheel of a vehicle at the intersection.
The officer attempted contact with the driver who was slumped over the steering wheel. After a brief interaction with the officer, the driver fled the scene in his vehicle, leading officers on a vehicle pursuit through the surrounding residential area. The suspect disregarded traffic signals and traveled at excessive speeds through neighborhood streets.
Officers successfully deployed a tire deflation device at the intersection of Maria Drive and Sonoma Mountain Parkway, disabling one of the vehicle's tires. The suspect subsequently yielded on Mauro Pietro Drive, where a high-risk traffic stop was conducted. The driver, identified as Connor Derby (a 35-year-old Petaluma resident), was taken into custody without incident.
The investigation revealed Derby was driving under the influence of alcohol and was over two and half times the legal limit. Derby was also found to be driving on a suspended driver's license and in violation of existing probation terms related to multiple prior DUI convictions.
Derby was later booked at the Sonoma County Jail for the following charges:
- 23152(a) VC - Felony Driving Under the Influence of alcohol w/ prior convictions.
- 23152(b) VC - Felonly Driving Under the influence of alcohol over .08% w/ prior convictions.
- 2800.2(a) VC - Felony Evading a Peace Officer.
- 14601.2(a) PC - Driving on a Suspended License.
- 1203.2(a) PC - Violation of Probation.
No injuries to the public, the suspect, or law enforcement personnel were reported during this incident.
The Petaluma Police Department reminds the public that impaired driving poses a serious risk to community safety. Anyone who observes a suspected impaired driver is encouraged to contact local law enforcement immediately.
Media inquiries may be directed to Lt. Matthew Parnow at
[email protected] or phone 707-778-4372. Case Number 26-0567.
