DUI Driver Plows Into Petaluma Light Pole: Police

PETALUMA, CA — Petaluma police arrested a driver Tuesday night who plowed his car into a light pole. Nickolas Sykora, 27, of Santa Rosa, is suspected of DUI in the crash reported at 11:45 p.m. at East Washington and Copeland streets, Petaluma police Sgt. Garrett Glaviano said in a news release.

Officers responded to the intersection to find a 2008 Toyota Corolla on the south sidewalk of E. Washington Street with heavy front-end damage and its airbags deployed.

Sykora was nearby and admitted to being the driver of the vehicle, Glaviano said.

"He told officers he was traveling eastbound on East Washington Street and was attempting to make a right hand turn onto Lakeville Street when he collided with the light pole," Glaviano said.

Police suspected Sykora was driving under the influence of alcohol and when they tested his blood-alcohol content, it measured at .167 percent, the sergeant alleged.

Sykora, who did not suffer any injuries in the crash, was booked into the main Sonoma County jail on suspicion of DUI, according to Glaviano.

Photos courtesy Petaluma Police Department