Tragedy struck Petaluma over the weekend with two separate DUI incidents that left one motorcyclist severely injured and introduced a fresh bout of chaos onto our streets. According to the Petaluma Police Department, a collision on March 16 involved a drunk driver ramming into a motorcyclist, while another drunk driver was arrested after fleeing a solo vehicle collision on March 17.
The first incident occurred on the 200 block of Petaluma Blvd N, where an inebriated Willy Mungai piloted his orange Dodge Charger directly into a motorcycle. The impact was severe enough to reportedly leave the motorcyclist with a broken leg. As per police reports obtained by the Petaluma Police Department, Mungai displayed clear signs of intoxication and even confessed to having consumed alcohol prior to getting behind the wheel. He has been arrested for felony DUI, as he was found to be under the influence at the time of the accident that caused the motorcyclist's injury.
Lt. Garrett Glaviano from the Petaluma Police Department relayed to the community through a statement in a press release that Mungai was booked into the Sonoma County Jail on charges related to this incident. The motorcyclist was promptly taken to a local hospital for treatment of the injuries sustained.
Notably less than two hours later, Adolfo Gascon managed to crash into a round-a-bout at the intersection of S McDowell Blvd and Baywood Dr. Rather than face the consequences, Gascon decided to try and flee on foot but was discovered by officers hiding in a nearby yard. Gascon was also under the influence, with the police report conveying he showed objective signs of intoxication upon apprehension. He was subsequently taken into custody and is facing DUI charges.
The Petaluma Police Department has renewed its pleas for road users to be responsible, emphasizing the significant financial and legal repercussions of driving under the influence. Offenders are not only endangering lives but are also subject to fines and penalties that can exceed $13,500, along with a suspended license. They advise those who plan to drink to secure a sober driver or use ride-sharing services to ensure the safety of all road users.
