Full Notification

Incident:                      DUI Driver arrested after vehicle and Foot pursuit

Report Number:          21-864

Occurred Date :           February 28, 2021

Occurred Time:           5:29 PM

Location:                     East Washington Street and Lakeville Street

Suspect(s):                  Traci T. Traci, 40-year-old, Bodega Bay resident

Incident Summary:

On the above date and time, a Reporting Party called the Petaluma Police Department about a vehicle that was driving erratically and almost collided into other vehicles.  The Reporting Party described the vehicle as grey Toyota truck and provided a license plate.   They said the vehicle was last seen going into the Taco Bell parking lot on East Washington at Lakeville Street.   An officer arrived in the area and observed a vehicle matching the description exit the parking lot and proceed eastbound on Lakeville.   The officer advised the vehicle was driving in on-coming traffic and had crossed over the double yellow lines several times.  The officer attempted to make a traffic stop on Lakeville and Lindberg Lane.   The driver of the Toyota failed to yield and continued driving eastbound.  Just prior to Baywood Drive, the driver suddenly made an illegal U-turn and drove westbound on Lakeville almost colliding with vehicles attempting to enter US 101 northbound.   Near the US 101 southbound on ramp the driver made another illegal U-turn.   At Lakeville and US 101 northbound, the driver attempted to pass stopped vehicles on the left-hand side.  A motorist saw the suspect vehicle being chased and purposely attempted to pin the suspect vehicle into the center road barrier.   There was a minor collision, but the suspect vehicle continued eastbound on Lakeville at speeds between 60-70 MPH.     The driver turned onto Marina Drive and drove to the rear of a business and fled on foot from the vehicle.  Officers, who were directly behind the suspect vehicle, quickly apprehended the suspect.   Suspect Traci was taken into custody without incident.   The motorist, who attempted to block the suspect vehicle with their vehicle reported they had observed the suspect consume some suspected pills and food while she was driving.   Suspect Traci was transported by ambulance to Petaluma Valley Hospital and after being medically cleared she was transported to Sonoma County Jail.   During the DUI investigation, it was determined Suspect Traci was also involved in a Hit and Run collision, west of Petaluma, just prior to this incident.   The California Highway Patrol is investigating that collision.  Suspect Traci was booked for DUI, evading, and delaying/ obstructing the police. 

If anyone witnessed this incident or the collision, please contact the Petaluma Police Department at 707-778-4372.   The police department encourages motorist to call the police department when then observe a possible DUI driver or are witnessing a crime but they should not interfere in certain circumstances where it may lead to injury or property damage to themselves or someone else.