Crime & Safety
Motorcyclist Injured, Suspected Of DUI In Petaluma Crash
Police say the motorcyclist was hospitalized after crashing into a utility box and train tracks before landing in a field.
PETALUMA, CA — A motorcyclist not wearing a helmet suffered major injuries in a suspected drunk driving crash in Petaluma on Monday evening, according to police. Officers responded at 6:05 p.m. to a report of a motorcycle crash in the 400 block of Hopper Street and arrived to find 30-year-old Hank LaFranchi, who was taken to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital.
Investigators determined LaFranchi was speeding on the motorcycle north on Hopper Street but did not navigate a turn in the road and went off the roadway, then struck a utility box and railroad tracks before coming to rest in a field, police said.
Police said it appears LaFranchi was not wearing a helmet, and the odor of alcohol was detected on him. A blood sample was obtained for analysis and LaFranchi remained at the hospital in stable condition Tuesday morning.
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Anyone who may have witnessed the crash is asked to contact Traffic Officer Mike Pierre at 707-778-4372.
By Bay City News Service
Find out what's happening in Petalumafor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Photo via Shutterstock.com
