Rohnert Park Man Leads Cops On Chase Down U.S. 101: SRPD

SONOMA COUNTY, CA — A Rohnert Park man was arrested on suspicion of DUI and other charges Tuesday night after allegedly leading Santa Rosa police and California Highway Patrol on a pursuit from Santa Rosa to Petaluma. A Santa Rosa officer initially tried to stop a silver Toyota Celica driver — later identified as 46-year-old Raymond Castro of Rohnert Park — on suspicion of speeding at about 10:30 pm. in the area of Sebastopol Road and West Avenue, Santa Rosa police Sgt. Dan Marincik stated in a news release.

But Castro did not stop, Marincik said.

Instead, he led officers into downtown Santa Rosa, then onto southbound 101 , the sergeant alleged.

Castro drove at or below the speed limit as he continued southbound on 101 but still he refused to stop, Marincik said.

"Due to the extended distance the suspect had traveled from the Santa Rosa area, a request was made for the California Highway Patrol to take over the pursuit," Marincik said. "When the suspect vehicle entered the area of Petaluma, the California Highway Patrol took over the pursuit."

A Petaluma police officer also pitched in by placing spike strips across southbound 101 near the East Washington Avenue exit.

Castro ran over the spike strips and his car immediately began to slow down but he continued heading south, Marincik said.

Officers were finally able to stop Castro just north of the Lakeville Highway exit, Marincik said.

Castro did not immediately comply with commands to exit the vehicle but eventually he did and was taken into custody without further incident, according to the sergeant.

With Castro out of the car, officers searched and found no passengers but did find an open bottle of alcohol, Marincik said.

Castro was arrested and booked into Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of evading an officer, driving under the influence of alcohol, being a DUI probationer driving with a blood alcohol content over .01 percent and violating his parole and probation terms.

It was not clear whether Castro remained in custody Wednesday because his jail booking information did not come up when searching the website of the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office.

An investigation of the incident involving Castro was continuing. Marincik said anyone with pertinent information about the case should call SRPD at 707-543-3600.

• ALSO SEE: CHP Arrests Healdsburg Man Allegedly Seen Pouring Beer Out Of Car

Photos courtesy Santa Rosa Police Department