Police Respond To 3 Suspected DUI Crashes In 7 Hours, Make 4 Arrests

PETALUMA, CA — Four drivers —three of whom were involved in crashes —were arrested on suspicion of DUI during a seven-hour period Saturday night and early Sunday morning in Petaluma.

In the first incident, a crash involving three cars was reported at 7:01 p.m. Saturday on Casa Grande Road at Lakeville Highway. Officers responded and were helping the parties involved when they noticed one of the drivers displayed signs of alcohol intoxication, a lieutenant with the Petaluma Police Department said.

The driver, identified by police as 31-year-old Eladio Castro-Naal, was arrested on suspicion of DUI and taken to Sonoma County jail.

Two hours later, at 9:01 p.m., Petaluma police and fire personnel were dispatched to East Washington Street and Sonoma Mountain Parkway where a car went off the roadway and into a creek, landing about 20 feet down, Lt. Garrett Glaviano said.

The driver, later identified as 43-year-old Luis Garcia, was removed from the car and evaluated by paramedics. Because of the severity of the collision, Garcia was taken to a local hospital. An investigation confirmed Garcia was driving under the influence of alcohol, Glaviano said. He was taken from the hospital to Sonoma County jail where he was booked on suspicion of DUI.

A little more than an hour after the second crash, officers were sent to East D Street and Wilson Street where a driver hit a parked car, Glaviano said. Officers spoke with the driver, identified as Miguel Santiago, 27, and suspected he was intoxicated. Following an investigation, Santiago was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

Then, around 1:45 a.m. Sunday, an officer saw a black Tesla sedan driving the wrong way on Kentucky Street and pulled the driver over — potentially preventing what could have been another collision. After an investigation indicated Jeremy Cabrera, 23, was driving while intoxicated, Petaluma police made their fourth DUI arrest of the night.

"The Petaluma Police Department continues to be committed to increasing traffic safety and to reducing the number of alcohol-related collisions," Glaviano said. "Petaluma Police advise motorists to plan accordingly when consuming alcoholic beverages by designating a sober driver or sharing a ride. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license."