On July 4, 2026, at approximately 8:32 p.m., a Petaluma Police Department officer was on routine patrol when he observed a gas-powered minibike traveling on the wrong side of the roadway in the area of Madison Street and Payran Street. The officer attempted a traffic stop; however, the rider failed to yield to the officer’s emergency lights and sirens.
Due to the rider’s failure to stop, a pursuit was initiated. The pursuit lasted approximately half a mile before the rider crashed in the area of Wilson Street and East Washington Street. After the crash, the rider fled on foot, and the officer pursued him to the area of the SMART train station on Lakeville Street, where the rider was taken into custody without further incident. The rider was not seriously injured as a result of the collision.
The rider was identified as a 12-year-old juvenile. The rider was arrested and later released to a parent on the following charges:
- 148 PC - Resisting, delaying, or obstructing a peace officer
- 2800.1 CVC - Evading a peace officer
- 12500 CVC- Unlicensed driver
The Petaluma Police Department would like to remind community members that gas-powered minibikes, pocket bikes, and electric motorcycles are not permitted to be operated on public roadways. We also encourage parents and guardians to speak with their children about the importance of stopping for law enforcement when officers activate their emergency lights and sirens.
Media inquiries may be directed to Lieutenant Matthew Parnow at
[email protected] or phone 707-778-4372. Case number 26-2397.
