Novato Man Suspected Of DUI In Petaluma Crash: Police

PETALUMA, CA — A Novato man was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol when he crashed into a parked car Sunday night in Petaluma, police said.

Personnel from the Petaluma police and fire departments were dispatched at 8:21 p.m. Sunday to the crash in the 600 block of West Street — near Keokuk Street — Petaluma police Sgt. Nicholas Raccanello said.

Officers located the driver, 29-year-old Novato resident Christopher Middagh, at the scene.

"Officers noted objective signs of alcohol intoxication and conducted a DUI investigation," Raccanello said. "At the conclusion of the investigation, they determined Middagh was operating the vehicle while under the influence of alcohol and placed him under arrest."

Middagh was taken to a hospital and after he was medically cleared he was booked into Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of DUI.

"The Petaluma Police Department has been committed to increasing traffic safety and especially reducing the number of alcohol-related collisions," Raccanello said. "Petaluma Police advise motorists to plan ahead if you’re going to go out and drink alcohol, designate a sober driver or share a ride."