Bicyclists Hit By Mom Driving Drunk With Baby In Car: Petaluma PD

PETALUMA, CA — A 22-year-old Petaluma mom is accused of driving under the influence of alcohol and child endangerment in a collision Wednesday that left two bicyclists injured, according to the Petaluma Police Department.

Sophia Alicia Beetham was driving with her 4-month-old baby in the car when she hit the bicyclists at about 3:30 p.m. Wednesday at the intersection of East D Street and 1st Street, Petaluma police Sgt. Jeremy Walsh said in a news release.

Two officers responded with their emergency lights and sirens fully activated after dispatchers received numerous 911 calls about the incident in the 100 block of East D Street.

Walsh said when officers arrived at the scene, Beetham's silver 2006 Chrysler Pacifica SUV was stopped in the westbound lane of East D Street, just west of the intersection, and had moderate damage to the windshield and exterior rear-view mirror on the passenger side.

"The bicyclists who had been struck by the vehicle were being medically evaluated on scene by Petaluma Fire Department Paramedics," Walsh said. "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."

Beetham's baby was not injured and was released to a family member.

Beetham stayed at the scene and was cooperative as the incident was investigated, Walsh said.

Police determined Beetham was heading westbound on East D Street and as she approached the intersection of 1st street, it is alleged that she did not stop as the traffic light turned red.

The bicyclists were both heading southbound and their light had just turned green. According to police, the bicyclists were entering the intersection when Beetham struck them with her car.

"Beetham struck one bicyclist on the east side of the intersection and a second bicyclist on the west side of the intersection," Walsh said.

Based on the investigation and her interactions with one of the officers, that officer began to suspect Beetham was possibly driving under the influence of alcohol.

The officer's suspicions were confirmed when "Beetham admitted to drinking and ultimately submitted to a Preliminary Alcohol Screen Device Test which indicated a .17% BAC," Walsh said.

Beetham was arrested and booked into Sonoma County jail on suspicion of child endangerment and DUI with a blood-alcohol content of .08 percent or higher resulting in an injury collision, the police sergeant said.