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Petaluma Today
By the People, for the People
Petaluma Man Arrested After DUI Chase Ends in Popped Tires
The 35-year-old driver had a blood-alcohol level more than twice the legal limit and a history of prior DUI convictions.
Published on Feb. 11, 2026
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A Petaluma man was arrested after leading police on a high-speed chase through a residential neighborhood. Officers found the man slumped over the wheel of his car at an intersection, but when they tried to make contact, he sped off, ignoring traffic signals and driving at excessive speeds. Police deployed a tire deflation device, disabling one of the vehicle's tires, and the driver eventually stopped where he was taken into custody.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the ongoing issue of impaired driving and the dangers it poses to public safety. Despite prior DUI convictions, the driver continued to get behind the wheel while intoxicated, putting others at risk. The use of tire deflation devices by police to safely stop fleeing vehicles also demonstrates law enforcement's efforts to apprehend dangerous drivers without escalating the situation.
The details
Officers were patrolling the area near Sonoma Mountain Parkway and Reisling Road around 5:54 p.m. on February 10 when a citizen flagged them down about an unresponsive driver stopped at the intersection. The officers contacted the driver, who was slumped over the steering wheel, but he fled in his vehicle after a brief interaction. The driver sped through nearby neighborhood streets, ignored traffic signals, and drove at excessive speeds. Police deployed a 'tire deflation device' at Maria Drive and Sonoma Mountain Parkway, disabling one of the vehicle's tires. The driver eventually stopped on Mauro Pietro Drive, where officers conducted a high-risk traffic stop and took him into custody.
- On February 10, 2026 around 5:54 p.m., officers found the driver slumped over the wheel at an intersection.
- The driver fled from officers and led them on a chase through a residential neighborhood.
The players
Petaluma Police Department
The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and apprehended the driver.
35-year-old Petaluma resident
The driver who was found slumped over the wheel, fled from police, and was arrested on suspicion of DUI with prior convictions, felony evading, and driving on a suspended license.
What’s next
The driver was booked into Sonoma County Jail and will face charges related to the DUI, high-speed chase, and his prior convictions. The case will proceed through the criminal justice system.
The takeaway
This incident underscores the ongoing challenge of impaired driving and the importance of law enforcement tools like tire deflation devices to safely apprehend dangerous drivers without escalating the situation. It also highlights the need for continued education and enforcement to address repeat DUI offenders and keep roads safe for all.
