A Santa Rosa driver was arrested for DUI and hit-and-run following a collision on Christmas night. SRPD reported that at around 9:05 p.m. on Wednesday, officers were dispatched to Steele Lane at the Southbound HWY 101 offramp, where a vehicle had rolled over into a pole, prompting calls from concerned community members about the driver, who had fled the scene.
Based on the description provided by witnesses, officers located Gabriel Chicon, a 19-year-old Santa Rosa resident, on the 1600 block of Range Avenue—he was exhibiting signs of intoxication. He bore injuries from the crash, and officers ascertained he was indeed the man behind the wheel at the time of the incident. During their investigation, Chicon was found to be the vehicle's driver. After an ambulance took him to the hospital for treatment of his minor injuries, Chicon faced multiple charges, including DUI, a misdemeanor hit-and-run, and violating the terms of his pretrial supervision for previous assault cases.
Notably, Chicon's situation was complicated by violations of pretrial supervision from two separate assault cases, which included conditions barring him from alcohol possession or consumption, especially pertinent considering his underage status. After receiving medical clearance, Chicon was booked into Sonoma County Jail, facing charges including driving under the influence, driving with a BAC of 0.01% or more as an underage individual, misdemeanor hit-and-run, and violations of his pretrial supervision, as outlined in the Penal Code.
The SRPD has taken this incident as an opportunity to issue a reminder, ahead of New Year celebrations, of the hazards associated with driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, a statement urging the public to consider alternatives to driving if they plan to drink—such as designating a sober driver, using taxi or ride-share services, or arranging accommodations—was released, hoping to prevent any future occurrences and ensure public safety.
