Driver Leads Cops On Chase To Western Sonoma County: PD

PETALUMA, CA — A Vacaville man led officers on a several-mile pursuit from Petaluma to Highway 1 early Monday, the Petaluma Police Department said.

Around 12:09 a.m. Monday, an officer saw a silver Hyundai Elantra speeding on Lakeville Street and crossing into oncoming lanes of traffic as the driver headed toward East D Street, Petaluma police Sgt. Mario Giomi said.

When the driver reached the intersection of Lakeville Street and East D Street, the officer tried to stop the car. The officer activated the patrol car's lights and sirens but the driver, later identified as William James "Jimmy" Dye, 34, of Vacaville, accelerated away and drove through multiple red traffic signals, Giomi said.

The pursuing officer believed Dye was possibly intoxicated because of his erratic driving. As the vehicle pursuit continued, Dye headed out of Petaluma on Western Avenue. As Dye headed toward the town of Bodega, deputies with the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office stepped up to help with the chase at the request of Petaluma police.

"The pursuit terminated shortly after Dye lost control of his vehicle while attempting to navigate a turn on Highway 1," Giomi said. "Dye’s vehicle collided with a dirt embankment after it left the roadway."

With damage to the driver’s side front tire/wheel, Dye's further efforts at fleeing were futile, the sergeant said. Dye continued driving for a short distance after the crash, then pulled to the side of the road and surrendered to officers.

No injuries were reported in the pursuit.

Dye was taken to Sonoma County jail and booked on suspicion of felony evasion. He remained in custody Monday evening with bail set at $20,000, records showed.

Petaluma PD extended its gratitude to the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department for its assistance with the incident.