NEWS RELEASE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Friday, March 02, 2012
Laser Speed Enforcement Operation Results
96 Drivers Cited
1 DUI, 2 Suspended Licenses, 2 No License
[Petaluma, CA]— Petaluma Police Department Traffic Team conducted a speed enforcement operation today at locations in Petaluma with a high frequency of speed related collisions or complaints between the hours of 7am and 5pm.
During the operation officers made 111 traffic stops and issued 96 citations. A total of 65 drivers were issued citations for unsafe speed, including one who was riding a motorcycle without a motorcycle license or permit and an illegal helmet. The other citations included violations for cell phone use, driving on a suspended license, driving without a license, expired registration, failure to obey a traffic control sign, right-of-way, and a red light violation.
During the operation, officers stopped a DUI driver reported by a citizen on 911. At 1353, Christopher Waldron, age 48, from Cotati was stopped on Petaluma Blvd North. Officers immediately determined he was under the influence of alcohol and initiated a DUI investigation. He was subsequently arrested with a blood alcohol level of .31%, almost four times the legal limit. This was his first DUI offense and he was transported to County Jail with bail set at $5,000.
Speed continues to be the highest cause of collisions in the City of Petaluma. Additional speed enforcement operations are planned throughout the upcoming year.
Funding for this operation and the laser speed measuring devices were funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
CONTACT: Sergeant Ken Savano
Petaluma Police Department – Traffic Team
707.778.4596 office 707.481.3567 cell
Email: [email protected]
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