For Immediate Release
Friday, October 16, 2026
Issued By:
Lieutenant Jeremy Walsh
Petaluma PD
707.778.4372
Incident: Major Injury Traffic Collision
Report Number: 26-3656
Occurred Date : October 15, 2026
Occurred Time: 8:25 pm
Location: Cypress Drive at South McDowell Blvd
Incident Summary
On Thursday, October 15, 2026, at approximately 8:25 pm, Petaluma Police Department Officers and Petaluma Fire Department Personnel were dispatched to a single vehicle collision involving a motorcycle on Cypress Drive at South McDowell Blvd. A witness who called 911 reported the solo motorcyclist had possibly hit the raised center median on Cypress Dr and was down in the roadway not moving. Emergency personnel arrived on scene and located a single motorcycle rider unresponsive with major injuries. Petaluma Fire Department Paramedics transported the forty-five-year-old adult male to a Santa Rosa Area Hospital where he remains in critical condition with life threatening injuries.
Given the seriousness of the injuries sustained in the collision, the Petaluma Police Department Traffic Team was called out to lead the collision investigation. The investigation is ongoing, and determining the exact cause of the collision is still being investigated. The witness to the collision remained on scene and is cooperating with the investigation. Based on the preliminary investigative information, which consists of witness statements, collision scene examination and evidence recovered at the scene, it appears speed may have been a contributing factor in the collision. Determining if drugs or alcohol played a role in the collision remains unknown and is part of the ongoing investigation.
The name of the motorcycle rider and any further information which may reveal his identity is being withheld at this time.
The Petaluma Police Department is asking anyone who may have witnessed the collision or have information they feel would assist us in our investigation to please contact Traffic Officer Ben Schott at [email protected] or by phone at 707-778-4598.
The Petaluma Police Department is also reminding motorists and motorcyclists to travel at safe speeds, remain attentive to roadway conditions, and exercise caution, particularly during nighttime hours. Even a momentary loss of control can result in serious or life-threatening injuries.
Media inquiries may be directed to Traffic Sergeant Mario Giomi at [email protected] or phone 707-776-3722.
