4 Arrested, 13 Cited At Petaluma DUI/Driver's License Checkpoint

PETALUMA, CA — Thirteen people were arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs over the St. Patrick's Day weekend in Petaluma, according to the Petaluma Police Department.

Three of those arrests came Friday night when the Petaluma Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/driver’s license checkpoint from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. on Petaluma Boulevard North at Gossage Avenue.

The traffic unit screened 900 of the 1,368 drivers who passed through the checkpoint in cars.

"Most drivers screened during the checkpoint were cooperative and appreciative of the Petaluma Police Department’s efforts to deter drunk driving," Petaluma police Sgt. Walt Spiller said.

From the 900 screened, two people were arrested on suspicion of DUI alcohol; one person was arrested on suspicion of DUI drugs; one person was arrested on an outstanding warrant; and 13 drivers were cited for driving without a license.

Spiller noted that over the St. Patrick's Day weekend, Petaluma police arrested another 10 people on suspicion of DUI.

"The Petaluma Police Department encourages people who visit and enjoy Petaluma, to plan ahead and either designate a sober driver, use ride share or call a taxi to avoid drinking and driving," he said. "Driving under the influence is 100 percent preventable."

Friday's DUI checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.