Full Notification

                                                                                               
For Immediate Release
October 19, 2026       
Issued By:Community Engagement Liaison Kelsey McCarthy Petaluma PD, (707) 364-6086 [email protected]

Case number: 26-3639
Incident: Suspect Arrested for DUI Following Hit-and-Run Collision

On October 14, 2026, at approximately 9:06 p.m., Petaluma Police officers responded to a report of a hit-and-run collision involving a vehicle that had crashed into a parked car, causing significant damage.

Following the collision, the driver fled the scene on foot. Officers conducted a search of the surrounding area and located the suspect, later identified as Severo Martinez Romero (38, Petaluma) hiding in bushes approximately two blocks from the collision. Romero was then taken into custody.

During the investigation, officers observed Romero displaying objective signs of alcohol intoxication. Further investigation revealed that Romero was driving with a suspended license due to a prior DUI offense and was currently on DUI probation and pretrial release.

Romero was transported to the Sonoma County Jail and booked on the following charges:

• 23152 VC – Driving Under the Influence
• 14601.2 VC – Driving with a License Suspended for DUI
• 20002 VC – Hit-and-Run Involving Property Damage
• 1203.2 PC – Probation Violation
• 166(a)(4) PC – Violation of a Court Order

Driving under the influence puts everyone on our roadways at risk. The Petaluma Police Department remains committed to identifying and removing impaired drivers from our streets and holding those who endanger our community accountable.

We remind drivers to always plan ahead for a safe ride home. If you suspect someone is driving under the influence, please report it by calling 911.