Suspect In 2-County Pursuit Rams Petaluma Police Car: PD

PETALUMA, CA — For the second time in a 24-hour period, a Petaluma police car was rammed Sunday while an officer was inside the car, police said.

Around 9 p.m. Sunday, the Petaluma Police Department got word that a pursuit that started in Marin County was headed northbound on U.S. Highway 101, approaching the city of Petaluma.

"The Marin County Sheriff's Office initiated the pursuit during the investigation of a domestic disturbance," Petaluma police Lt. Nick McGowan said.

The car was described as a silver Nissan Pathfinder, later determined to be driven by William Rodas-Diaz, 30, of San Rafael, McGowan said.

As Rodas-Diaz entered Sonoma County, a Sonoma County sheriff's deputy took over the pursuit northbound on Highway 101 at Lakeville Highway.

Rodas-Diaz took the East Washington Street exit and continued to flee westbound.

Moments later, a Petaluma police officer joined the deputy in the chase.

Rodas-Diaz was pursued to Bantam Way at Rebecca Drive, where he made a U-turn and his car faced the front of a Petaluma police car.

"Rodas-Diaz then rammed the officer's vehicle head-on at approximately 20-25 mph," McGowan said. "Rodas-Diaz attempted to back up and ultimately again rammed the officer's vehicle."

The Pathfinder became pinned in by additional officers and Rodas-Diaz was taken into custody.

Rodas-Diaz was booked into Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon and evading an officer, McGowan said.

The Petaluma officer whose car was rammed suffered minor injuries that did not require medical attention.

Between this incident and one Sunday afternoon involving a stolen car, three Petaluma patrol cars were damaged but no officers were seriously injured, McGowan said.