A routine check at a Petaluma In N Out Burger drive-thru turned into a high-speed chase when 26-year-old Petaluma resident Christian Gaussen-Butler, suspected of driving under the influence, fled from police. According to the Petaluma Police Department, the incident began at approximately 6:45 PM on Sunday as officers responded to reports of a driver showing signs of intoxication at the popular fast-food location. The situation escalated quickly after Gaussen-Butler complied initially with the stop but then took off southbound on Highway 101.
Officers pursued Gaussen-Butler for about 3 miles, facing hazardous conditions caused by his erratic driving and attempts to pass other vehicles unsafely. The chase was terminated before he was out of sight near the San Antonio Road exit, as per the official Petaluma Police Department Instagram account. Shortly thereafter, California Highway Patrol discovered the aftermath of Gaussen-Butler's crashed vehicle by a power pole at San Antonio Road and Leghorn Lane, with downed live wires creating an additional hazard.
Aided by the Sonoma County Sheriff's helicopter Henry-1, law enforcement officials located Gaussen-Butler hiding a quarter mile from the crash in a densely wooded area. Henry-1 coordinated with local police officers and deputies to establish a perimeter. The encounter led to another brief foot pursuit involving several creek beds, fences, and open fields before Gaussen-Butler eventually surrendered.
Minor injuries were sustained by Gaussen-Butler, presumably from the collision and his attempts to evade capture; he was treated on-site by the Petaluma Fire Department and transported to a hospital for further care. His apprehension led to multiple charges, including felony evading, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving on a suspended license, and resisting arrest.
