A Trail Of Crashes Ends In Hit-And-Run, Suspended License Investigation In Petaluma

PETALUMA, CA — Petaluma police arrested a Rohnert Park man after receiving reports of erratic driving and collisions in north Petaluma.

One of the reports involved a blue sedan driving through a red light and nearly colliding with another vehicle at Petaluma Boulevard North and Magnolia Avenue.

While police search the area, dispatchers received additional reports of collisions involving a blue Honda sedan that did not stop after the incidents.

Working with information from callers, an officer stopped the vehicle near Petaluma Boulevard North and East Washington Street.

The Petaluma Department identified the driver as Jessie Nielson, 34, of Rohnert Park.

Officers conducted a field sobriety evaluation, and police said their investigation led them to believe Nielson had been driving while impaired. A records check also showed he was driving with a suspended license, according to police.

Nielson was booked into the Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol, driving on a suspended license, possession of inhalants and marijuana while driving, and hit and run.