Driver Crashes Into Roundabout, Light Pole In Suspected DUI: PPD

Sep 24, 2023

PETALUMA, CA — A man was arrested early Friday morning in Petaluma when he crashed his car into a roundabout and struck a light pole, according to police.

DUI is alleged in the incident reported around 12:30 a.m. Friday on Petaluma Boulevard South at Crystal Lane. The collision caused damage to a light pole causing it to collapse, according to Petaluma police Sgt. Nicholas Raccanello.

The driver, identified by police as Eric Miller, 47, of Petaluma, displayed objective signs of alcohol impairment and was arrested on suspicion of DUI, the sergeant said.

While awaiting transportation to Sonoma County jail, Miller completed evidentiary breath tests which indicated his blood alcohol content was .23 and .23 percent BAC — over two times the legal limit, Raccanello said.

"The Petaluma Police Department has been committed to increasing traffic safety and especially reducing the number of alcohol-related collisions," Raccanello said. "Petaluma Police advise motorists to plan ahead if they're going to go out and drink alcohol, designate a sober driver, or share a ride. Drivers caught driving impaired and charged with a first-time DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license."

There is a DUI/driver's license checkpoint scheduled for Saturday night in Petaluma, police announced earlier this week.