A Routine Traffic Stop Turns Into A Police Standoff Outside Of The Petaluma Police Department

PETALUMA, CA — A routine traffic stop ended in a stand-off involving a drone and pepper spray in front of the Petaluma Police Department on Tuesday evening, authorities said.

At 9:15 p.m., Petaluma police attempted to pull over a vehicle for a minor traffic violation. The driver, Osvaldo Castenada, 33, accelerated away and ran multiple red lights, according to Petaluma police.

Officers pursued Castenada to prevent further risk to the community," police said. "The pursuit came to an unusual conclusion when the driver pulled into a parking lot immediately adjacent to the Petaluma Police Department station."

Police said that once stopped, Castenada remained inside the vehicle with the engine still running and the doors locked. Officers said they saw him rummaging through the car while it remained in gear. They used a drone to monitor Castenada from above, while maintaining distance from him, police said.

For more than 40 minutes, Castenada, who showed signs of intoxication, refused to exit the vehicle, according to police. "To prevent the possibility of another pursuit involving an impaired driver, officers used pepper spray to encourage compliance and bring the situation to a safe conclusion," police said.

Police arrested Castenada on suspicion of driving under the influence and evading police.