Full Notification

On September 3, 2015, at 2346 hours a Sonoma County Sheriff’s Deputy attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a Black Ford SUV that was speeding in the area of Guerneville and Willowside Road, Santa Rosa. The vehicle failed to yield and a pursuit was initiated.

The pursuit traveled onto eastbound Hwy 12 and exited at Stony Point Road. The suspect vehicle ran the red light at the intersection of Stony Point Road, continued eastbound and merged back onto eastbound Hwy 12. At that intersection a pursuing deputy collided with an uninvolved vehicle traveling south on Stony Point Road. As a result of the collision a deputy and a female passenger in the uninvolved vehicle received minor injuries and were transported to a local hospital for treatment.

The pursuit continued eastbound on Hwy 12 then merged onto southbound US Hwy 101. Once on US Hwy 101, the suspect vehicle reached speeds of up to 100 mph while weaving and straddling the lanes.

The suspect vehicle exited US Hwy 101 in Petaluma at Petaluma Blvd North at a high rate of speed and spun out onto the shoulder. A deputy attempted a Pursuit Intervention Technique (PIT) which was unsuccessful. The suspect vehicle maneuvered around the deputy and back onto the roadway and again merged southbound on US Hwy 101.

Officers with the Petaluma Police Department deployed spike strips in the area of US Hwy 101/ Petaluma Blvd North which the suspect vehicle avoided.

The pursuit continued southbound on US Hwy 101 into Marin County where CHP Helicopter (H30) provided air support. CHP successfully deployed spike stripes just south of San Antonio Rd while the suspect traveled through an active construction zone. With four flat tires the suspect vehicle pulled into the center median the driver was taken into custody.

The suspect driver, and sole occupant of the vehicle, was identified as Joni Leigh Brown, a 29 year old Sonoma County resident. Brown was arrested for 10 outstanding Sonoma County warrants (1-Felony and (9) misdemeanor), as well as 2800.3 CVC. Brown was evaluated for DUI alcohol & drugs and was determined to not be under the influence.

Officers from the Santa Rosa Police Department responded to Stony Point Road to complete an investigation into the vehicle accident. Questions regarding the accident should be referred to the Santa Rosa Police Department.




Prepared by:

Lieutenant Darin Dougherty