Alleged DUI Driver Found Passed Out In Taco Bell Drive-Thru: PD

PETALUMA, CA — A driver found passed out in the drive-through of Taco Bell in Petaluma was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, police said. The driver, identified as Abel Macedonio-Gutierrez, 23, of Sonoma was allegedly uncooperative with officers who responded at 1:24 a.m. Tuesday, Jan. 1 to the fast-food restaurant, according to Petaluma police Sgt. Lance Novello.

Still parked in the drive-through line at Taco Bell, 406 E. Washington St., Macedonio-Gutierrez "refused to provide any information and had to be removed, without force, from his vehicle," Novello said in a news release.

Once outside his car, Macedonio-Gutierrez displayed signs of impairment but denied drinking or using drugs prior to driving, the sergeant alleged.

Macedonio-Gutierrez "continued to refuse to submit to any tests or attempts to evaluate him for the presence of alcohol and/or drugs despite officers' exhaustive explanations of the potential consequences, including being released without charges if found to not be legally impaired," Novello said.

Officers proceeded to arrest Macedonio-Gutierrez on suspicion of DUI, at which time he allegedly refused to undergo a DMV-required chemical test for evidence, Novello said.

The arresting officers had to get a search warrant approved by a judge to seize a sample of Macedonio-Gutierrez' blood for chemical analysis before transporting the alleged drunken driver to Sonoma County jail for booking.

Novello said Macedonio-Gutierrez could face a one-year DMV suspension of his driving privilege for his alleged refusal to willingly undergo the chemical test.

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