2 Injured, Pickup Driver Sought In Hit-And-Run Near Petaluma: CHP

PETALUMA, CA — The California Highway Patrol is searching for the driver of a Chevrolet pickup truck involved in a hit-and-run collision with a motorcycle Sunday on Petaluma Boulevard South.

The collision that resulted in major injuries was reported around 5:15 p.m. on Petaluma Boulevard South, north of Landing Way, CHP Spokesman David deRutte said.

"It was reported that a motorcycle was hit by a maroon or dark red Chevrolet full size truck, and then the truck fled the scene," deRutte said.

CHP's preliminary investigation indicated that the Chevrolet and a BMW motorcycle were both traveling southbound on Petaluma Boulevard South, with the motorcycle behind the truck, when for reasons not yet known, the Chevrolet began turning to the right and appeared to be exiting the roadway.

The Chevrolet moved back into the southbound lane of traffic and made an illegal left U-turn directly in front of the motorcycle, deRutte said.

The motorcycle collided with the left side of the pickup truck, which caused both riders to be thrown from the bike, deRutte said.

The motorcyclist, a 53-year-old Petaluma man, and his passenger, a 47-year-old Oakland woman, both suffered major injuries. They were rushed to Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital and were expected to survive their injuries.

"After the collision, the Chevrolet immediately fled the scene in a northbound direction on Petaluma Boulevard South," deRutte said.

The truck was described as maroon or dark red in color, and had a black lumber rack with toolboxes on both sides. The Chevy pickup truck also has left-side body damage from the collision.

"We have no driver description at this time," deRutte said in a news release Monday morning. "We ask that anyone with information regarding this collision please call the Santa Rosa CHP office at 707-588-1400."