PETALUMA, CA — The long holiday weekend brought heavier traffic, flashing patrol lights, and a sharp warning from the Petaluma Police Department after officers arrested eight drivers on suspicion of driving under the influence and took four more people into custody on DUI-related probation violations.
From May 22 through May 25, officers arrested eight motorists for alleged DUI offenses during a targeted Memorial Day enforcement operation. Police also arrested two drivers accused of operating vehicles with alcohol in their systems while on DUI probation and two others accused of violating the terms of DUI probation by driving.
The department launched the enforcement effort as thousands of drivers packed highways and local roads for the holiday weekend, a period law enforcement agencies routinely identify as one of the deadliest travel stretches of the year.
Police officials warned that impaired drivers threaten everyone on the road, from families heading home from barbecues to late-night workers and pedestrians crossing busy intersections.
The department urged drivers to arrange sober rides before drinking, use rideshare services or public transit, and stop friends or relatives from getting behind the wheel while impaired.
Officials also asked residents to report suspected drunk drivers by calling 911.
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Petaluma, CA Patch
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