DUI Suspect Cuffed After 3-Mile Pursuit, Crash, Chase Into Woods: Cops

PETALUMA, CA — A Petaluma man is accused of leading officers on a chase that took them from the drive-thru line of a fast food restaurant to U.S. Highway 101 and then into the woods.

The series of events started at 6:45 p.m. Sunday when officers were dispatched to the drive-thru line at In-N-Out Burger, 1010 Lakeville Highway, where a man was reportedly displaying signs of alcohol intoxication.

Officers stopped Christian Gaussen-Butler, 26, as he exited the drive-thru.

"Gaussen-Butler initially complied and parked his vehicle where an officer observed signs of alcohol intoxication," Petaluma police Lt. Zilverio Rivera said. "However, seconds later, Gaussen-Butler fled southbound on Highway 101 at a high rate of speed."

After weighing the importance of protecting the public against the suspected level of Gaussen-Butler's intoxication and his apparent need for immediate capture, Rivera said, officers pursued him onto southbound U.S. Highway 101.

The chase was terminated after 3 miles because of Gaussen-Butler's erratic lane changes, excessive speeds and passing of other motorists on the shoulder, Rivera said.

Officers lost sight of Gaussen-Butler just before the San Antonio Road exit.

Ten minutes later, the California Highway Patrol was dispatched to a crash on San Antonio Road and Leghorn Lane, where a car collided with a power pole, reportedly knocking live wires down into the roadway.

With the help of Sonoma County sheriff’s Henry-1 helicopter crew, Petaluma police confirmed the car was the same one involved in the pursuit.

Soon, the Henry-1 crew located Gaussen-Butler hiding on a heavily wooded hillside a quarter-mile from the crash site. Law enforcement from Petaluma PD, the sheriff's office and CHP formed a perimeter coordinated from above by the helicopter crew.

Officers contacted Gaussen-Butler on the hillside before he again ran off, leading officers through several creek beds, fences and open fields, Rivera said.

"Ultimately, Gaussen-Butler surrendered and was taken into custody with minor injuries, presumably from the vehicle collision and/or flight from law enforcement personnel," Rivera said.

Gaussen-Butler was medically evaluated at the scene by Petaluma Fire Department personnel.

Police said he was also treated at a local hospital following his arrest on suspicion of felony evasion, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving on a suspended license, and resisting arrest.