Substantial Damage To Several Homes, Cars Caused By DUI Driver: Police

PETALUMA, CA — A Petaluma man who collided with several cars and homes Wednesday night was arrested on suspicion of DUI.

The Petaluma Police Department Dispatch Center began receiving 911 calls at 7:57 p.m. about a truck that crashed into a parked vehicle. The situation quickly escalated as people continued to call in to report each crash. Callers reported the pick-up truck fled from each collision.

Officers quickly responded and found a "white Dodge pickup truck wedged next to a residential fence line with major damage" at 12th Street and Grossland Way in West Petaluma, police Sgt. Ryan Suhrke said.

It is alleged the driver —later identified as Manuel Ramirez-Pablo, 47, of Petaluma —was passed out behind the wheel with the engine running and doors locked.

Officers tried to wake him several times to have him unlock the doors. After having no success, officers broke the passenger-side window and detained Ramirez, who displayed signs of being heavily intoxicated, Suhrke said.

The investigation revealed Ramirez struck several cars over at least three blocks, one of which was occupied by a mother and her infant child, police said. An evaluation of the child by the Petaluma Fire Department showed the child was not injured.

Police found substantial damage to several homes and cars but no injuries.

"Numerous area residents reported that Ramirez’s driving was erratic and reckless," Suhrke said. "At one point, he was seen crashing his truck into the same house twice."

Police allege Ramirez was driving while nearly three times the legal limit. He was arrested on suspicion of DUI and numerous counts of hit-and-run.

He was later booked into Sonoma County jail and his vehicle was impounded, Suhrke said.

Jail records indicated Ramirez was no longer in custody Thursday.

Police asked anyone who witnessed the incident or has additional information to contact DUI Enforcement Officer D. Hutchinson at dhutchinson@cityofpetaluma.org.