Driver Accused Of DUI In Hit-And-Run

PETALUMA, CA — A Petaluma man is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and hit-and-run after he collided with two parked cars Tuesday, then taking off police said.

The hit-and-run was reported at 9:30 p.m. Tuesday in the 200 block of Lakeville Circle, near Ely Boulevard South and Frates Road.

Officers located the suspect, Juan Rincon-Rincon, 26, of Petaluma, and he was positively identified as the driver, according to Kelsey McCarthy, community engagement liaison for the Petaluma Police Department.

Rincon displayed signs of alcohol intoxication and submitted to a breathalyzer test which indicated a blood alcohol content of .149 percent, McCarthy said.

Rincon was taken into custody and booked into Sonoma County jail on suspicion of driving under the influence and misdemeanor hit and run.

The Petaluma Police Department is committed to increasing overall traffic safety and reducing the number of alcohol-related collisions and will continue its efforts to locate and identify impaired drivers, McCarthy said.

Those charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500-$20,000 in fines and penalties and the suspension of their driver's license.

"Driving under the influence is 100 percent preventable," McCarthy said. "As we enter graduation weekends and celebrations, we would like to remind our community to plan ahead if they are going to consume alcohol. Utilize a rideshare, designate a sober driver, or call a friend."