Suspected DUI Driver Arrested After Car Goes Airborne: Petaluma PD

PETALUMA, CA — A Petaluma man is suspected of driving under the influence of alcohol Tuesday night when he collided with several fixed objects, Petaluma police said.

At 8:55 p.m. Tuesday, officers responded to a report of an erratic driver in the area of East Washington Street and Kenilworth Drive.

The driver, later identified as Antonio Mendoza Salinas, 48, of Petaluma, was seen trying to make a right turn from Johnson Street onto East Washington Street, Petaluma police Sgt. Nicholas Raccanello said in a news release.

"He failed to make the turn and drove onto the southern sidewalk of East Washington Street where he collided with a posted, ‘Bike Route’ sign," Raccanello said. "The collision popped his tires and caused his airbags to deploy."

Salinas continued driving 40-45 mph eastbound on East Washington; when he reached the onramp southbound U.S. Highway 101, he veered from East Washington and crashed into a raised concrete barrier and the pedestrian safety railings on the overpass, causing his Acura to momentarily go airborne, Raccanello said.

Once the Acura came to a stop on the overpass, witnesses approached Salinas to check on him. Witnesses saw Salinas in the driver's seat and another man riding as a passenger in the car, the sergeant said.

Witnesses stayed with Salinas until officers got there and reported that Salinas tried to restart his car in an apparent attempt to flee the scene of the crashes.

His passenger walked away from the scene and was never contacted.

"Witnesses advised the passenger was clearly in pain as he stumbled away eastbound on East Washington Street," Raccanello said. "Several officers searched the area for the injured passenger and were unable to locate him."

Upon contact with Salinas, officers said he displayed signs of intoxication and admitted to drinking and driving.

Salinas was taken to a hospital and after he was medically cleared, he was booked into Sonoma County jail on suspicion of DUI causing an injury, hit-and-run property damage, and being an unlicensed driver.

Police asked anyone who has information about the passenger to contact DUI Enforcement Officer B. Schott at 707-781-1207 or at bschott@cityofpetaluma.org.