Suspected DUI Driver Arrested Following North Bay Hit-And-Run

PETALUMA, CA — A suspect who allegedly fled the scene of a crash in Petaluma and jumped into a creek Sunday was arrested on suspicion of injury hit and run, DUI collision causing injury and reckless driving, according to police.

Petaluma Police and Fire personnel responded to the 1500 block of East Washington Street on a report of a crash involving two vehicles around 1:17 a.m.

Upon arriving, the officers allegedly saw a 40-year-old Petaluma man fleeing on foot into the creek that runs between East Washington Street and Maria Drive.

Officers got a tip from a resident that a suspect had been in the resident's backyard and the suspect had jumped the individual's back fence, police said. With the help of a Sonoma County Sheriff Department K-9, the suspect was located hiding in the creek, according to police.

Officers allege that the suspect was driving under the influence of alcohol at the time of the crash.

The suspect, identified by police as Frank Monachello, was arrested on suspicion of felony DUI, felony hit-and-run vehicle collision, misdemeanor reckless driving and misdemeanor resisting/obstructing a police officer, police said.

First responders evaluated involved individuals at the scene of the collision for injuries, police said, which included a 55-year-old woman and a 58-year-old man, both from Petaluma.

"The 55-year-old was treated for minor injuries at the scene and the 58-year-old was transported to a hospital for minor injuries," Lt. Garrett Glaviano said in an email.

Copyright © 2024 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area.