Petaluma Police Give Checkpoint Results

PETALUMA, CA — The Petaluma Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/driver's license checkpoint Saturday night on Old Redwood Highway between Redwood Way and North McDowell Boulevard.

Petaluma police Sgt. Walt Spiller said the checkpoint was held from 6 p.m. Saturday until 2 a.m. Sunday in a location that offered the greatest opportunity for deterrence and provided the most safety for officers and the public.

"Most drivers screened during the checkpoint were cooperative and appreciative of Petaluma Police Department’s efforts in trying to deter drunk driving," Spiller said.

Of 748 cars screened, 19 drivers were cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked.

One driver was arrested on suspicion of driving on a suspended license and possessing drug paraphernalia.

One driver was arrested on an outstanding warrant.

One driver, Reno Ayers, 31, of Martinez, was arrested on multiple charges. It is alleged that as Ayers came through the checkpoint, he refused to identify himself and displayed signs and symptoms of intoxication.

In addition to DUI, Ayers was accused of delaying an investigation. Further, he was found to be driving on a suspended license for a previous DUI, had an outstanding warrant for his arrest for DUI and was on probation for DUI, Spiller said.

Ayers was ultimately booked on suspicion of felony DUI charges because of his previous DUI convictions.

A grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration provided funding for the DUI checkpoint.