Two Bicyclists Struck by DUI Driver
PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Thursday, August 15, 2019
Issued By:
Sergeant Jeremy Walsh
Petaluma Police Department
Special Services Division
Traffic Team
707.778.4596
Incident: 23153 (a) VC- DUI Collision with Injury
273a(a) PC- Child Endangerment
Report Number: PPD 19-3398
Occurred Date : August 14, 2019
Occurred Time: 3:30 PM
Location: 100 Block of East D Street, Petaluma, CA
Suspect: Sophia Alicia Beetham, 22 years old, Petaluma Resident
Incident Summary:
On August 14, 2019 at approximately 3:30 pm, Petaluma Police Department Dispatch Center received numerous 911 calls regarding a vehicle collision located in the 100 block of East D Street. The vehicle was reported to have struck two bicyclists at the intersection of East D Street and 1st Street. Multiple officers, including Motor Officers Mario Giomi and Mike Pierre responded to the scene with full emergency lights and sirens activated.
Upon arrival, Officer Giomi and Pierre observed a silver 2006 Chrysler Pacifica SUV stopped in the West bound lane of East D Street just west of the intersection. The vehicle had sustained moderate damage to the passenger side exterior rear-view mirror and the front passenger side windshield. The bicyclists who had been struck by the vehicle were being medically evaluated on scene by Petaluma Fire Department Paramedics. One victim was ultimately transported to Santa Rosa for treatment and later released from the hospital. The second victim was evaluated and released from the scene.
The driver of the vehicle, Sophia Alicia Beetham, a 22 year-old Petaluma Resident, remained on scene and cooperated with the investigation. Beetham’s 4 month-old infant was a passenger in the vehicle at the time and was not injured in the collision. The baby was later released to the custody of a family member.
Through the investigation, Officer Giomi and Pierre were able to determine Beetham was traveling Westbound on East D Street in the area of 1st Street. As Beetham approached the intersection, the traffic signal cycled to a solid red light and Beetham did not stop. Beetham struck one bicyclist on the East side of the intersection and a second bicyclist on the West side of the intersection. Both bicyclists were traveling Southbound on 1st Street and entered the intersection when the signal light turned green.
Based on the traffic collision investigation and his interactions with Beetham, Officer Pierre suspected Beetham was possibly under the influence of alcohol at the time of the collision. Officer Pierre initiated a subsequent DUI investigation which confirmed his suspicion. Beetham admitted to drinking and ultimately submitted to a Preliminary Alcohol Screen Device Test which indicated a .17% BAC.
Beetham was placed under arrest for driving a vehicle with a BAC of .08% or higher which resulted in an injury collision and for child endangerment. Beetham was later transported and booked at the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department Main Adult Detention Facility on the above identified charges.
Address/Location
Petaluma Police Department
969 Petaluma Blvd N
Petaluma, CA 94952
Contact
Emergency: 9-1-1
Non-emergencies: 707-778-4372
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