A 10-year-old boy walking in a marked Petaluma crosswalk yesterday was hit by a car in what police say was a DUI hit-and-run, rattling a corridor that has already been under scrutiny for safety problems.
The child suffered minor injuries, was taken to a medical facility, and is expected to make a full recovery, according to police.
What Happened
The collision unfolded at the intersection of Washington Street and Howard Street while the boy was in a marked crosswalk, according to a Petaluma Police Department news release reported by The Press Democrat. Witnesses quickly provided officers with the vehicle's license plate number as the driver kept going, continuing westbound on Bodega Avenue.
Armed with that information, officers were able to identify and track down the suspected vehicle a short time later, police said.
Howard Street Already On The Safety Agenda
The block where the boy was struck is not exactly an unknown trouble spot. Howard Street and the nearby Bodega/Washington junction have already been targeted for pedestrian and bike upgrades, including curb extensions, buffered bike lanes and split-signal phasing that gives people on foot a head start at the light, as reported by the Petaluma Argus-Courier.
City staff had previously flagged the corridor for safety work because it sits near schools and appears on the Sonoma County Vision Zero high-injury network, according to the paper.
Arrest And Investigation
Officers ultimately arrested a 63-year-old Petaluma resident, whom they identified as the possible registered owner of the car. The man admitted to hitting the child and leaving the scene, according to The Press Democrat.
Police said the man showed signs of alcohol intoxication during an interview and was booked into Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of DUI hit-and-run. Investigators are asking anyone with video or tips to contact DUI Enforcement Officer B. Schott at [email protected] or 707-778-4372.
Legal Fallout
Under California law, leaving the scene of a crash that injures someone can be prosecuted under Vehicle Code 20001. Driving under the influence that causes injury falls under Vehicle Code 23153.
Both statutes can carry felony exposure depending on how badly someone is hurt and the driver’s prior record. Prosecutors will decide what charges to file after reviewing the police reports and evidence.
The crash has thrown fresh attention on long-standing safety complaints in downtown Petaluma about traffic on Howard Street and nearby crossings. City planners have been weighing changes to slow down drivers and improve visibility for people walking, as reported by the Petaluma Argus-Courier. Police say the investigation is still active and more details are expected as the case moves through the system.
