Petaluma Police Announce Checkpoint Results From Labor Day Weekend

PETALUMA, CA — Seven people were arrested for suspected DUIs over the Labor Day weekend in Petaluma as of 5 p.m. Monday, according to the Petaluma Police Department.

Four of the DUI arrests were made as a result of checkpoints conducted Saturday night in two separate locations in the city.

The first DUI/driver's license checkpoint was held from 6 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on East Washington Street near the Petaluma Airport. Of 333 cars screened, police cited or arrested seven drivers for not having a valid driver's license.

One driver—identified by police as Gaspar Garfia, 47, of Petaluma—was weaving, speeding and traveling on the opposite side of traffic from the checkpoint, police Sgt. Walt Spiller said. Garfia also drove over traffic cones set up for the checkpoint, the sergeant said.

It is alleged that when Garfia was stopped a short distance away from the checkpoint, he displayed signs and symptoms of intoxication. Garfia, who has a previous DUI conviction, was booked into Sonoma County jail following his arrest, Spiller said.

During the second checkpoint held from 10:30 p.m. to 1:30 a.m. on Petaluma Boulevard North at Oak Street, police screened 143 cars and arrested three drivers suspected of DUI.

"DUI/Drivers License checkpoints have been shown to lower DUI deaths and injuries," Spiller said. "A major component of these checkpoints are the deterrent effects it has on those who might drive drunk or drugged impaired, bringing about more awareness and encouraging everyone to use sober designated drivers."

The sergeant said most drivers screened during the checkpoints were cooperative and appreciative of the police department's efforts to deter drinking and driving.

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

The Labor Day weekend checkpoints were funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.