Petaluma Police Arrest Napa Man Who Slipped Away

The driver allegedly tried to flee on foot after hitting a curb and median.

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

Petaluma police arrested a 31-year-old Napa man on suspicion of driving under the influence after he allegedly struck a curb and center median with his GMC Acadia and then abandoned the vehicle, attempting to flee on foot. Witnesses and an off-duty officer provided information to help police locate the suspect.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the dangers of impaired driving and the importance of community involvement in assisting law enforcement to apprehend suspected drunk drivers who try to evade arrest.

The details

According to the Petaluma Police Department, officers responded around 5:29 p.m. on Sunday near South McDowell Boulevard and Anna Way after an onlooker reported a dark-colored GMC Acadia hitting a curb and center median. When officers arrived, they found the vehicle empty, as the driver had abandoned it. Police were able to locate the suspect, a 31-year-old Napa resident, on Evergreen Lane with the help of a witness and an off-duty officer. The man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence and taken to the Sonoma County jail.

  • The incident occurred around 5:29 p.m. on Sunday, February 23, 2026.
  • The suspect was arrested on the same day, February 23, 2026.

The players

Petaluma Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the incident and made the arrest.

31-year-old Napa resident

The suspect who was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

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What’s next

The suspect will likely face charges for driving under the influence and may face additional charges for attempting to flee the scene.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates the effectiveness of community cooperation and the vigilance of law enforcement in addressing the ongoing issue of impaired driving, which continues to pose a significant threat to public safety.