Petaluma Police Department
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release/Broadcast - UPDATE
DATE: March 20, 2012
Report Number: 12-01184
Occurred Date and Time: Arrest: March 19, 2012 at 1:43 PM
Incident: Arrest for Felony Hit and Run
Location: 1700 block of Pepper Road, Petaluma
Suspect: Gonzalez, Romo Rodolfo, 24 year old Petaluma resident
Summary: On March 10, a three car collision occurred in the 1000 block of Lakeville Street. The vehicle that caused the collision fled the scene. Both drivers in the other vehicles sustained injuries. One victim had moderate injuries requiring a hospital stay. The collision caused the front bumper of the suspect vehicle to fall off. The bumper still had the license plate attached to it. An investigation determined the vehicle had been impounded the month prior for 30 days because the driver had been unlicensed. The 30 days had passed and the vehicle was released. The investigating officer identified a possible suspect and the victims picked the suspect out a photographic line-up. At the same time, suspect Gonzalez made a claim to Progressive Insurance that a friend of his was involved in a collision driving the suspect vehicle. Unbeknownst to the suspect, one of the victims had the same insurance broker. This helped lead to the suspect’s current residence. Yesterday, officers went to a residence in the 1700 block of Pepper Road and located the suspect vehicle and Gonzalez. Suspect Gonzalez was arrested for felony hit and run. He also had an outstanding warrant for driving on suspended license out of Sonoma County. Gonzalez was transported to County Jail.
Prepared by: Lt. Tim Lyons
