5 Drivers Arrested In Petaluma On Suspicion Of DUI

PETALUMA, CA — Police arrested five drivers Petaluma on Friday and early Saturday morning during a DUI saturation patrol, authorities said.

Between 10:30 p.m. and 3 a.m. two officers arrested three motorists suspected of driving under the influence. During the same time period, Petaluma officers arrested another two drivers suspected of the same, the Petaluma Police Department said in a statement.

At 2:58 a.m. Eli Alfaro, 21, was reported by another driver as driving his vehicle on four rims on Frates Road. He was reportedly "swerving all over the road and going about 12 MPH."

Officers located the vehicle on Ely Road at Juliet Drive. Police said Alfaro may have traveled from Novato, police said. Alfaro is suspected to have hit a raised curb. Officers searched the area but could not find where he may have crashed.

"If anyone locates recent damage to a vehicle or road structure between Lakeville [Highway] and Ely Road, please contact the Petaluma Police Department," police said. "The other four DUI drivers were stopped for vehicle code violations, determined to be DUI, and also arrested."

Drivers charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license, police said. The Petaluma Police Department has made 170 DUI arrests since January 1, 2022. During the same period in the previous year, 93 DUI arrests were made, authorities said.