Petaluma police chase DUI suspect after officer spots reckless driving

(KRON) — A suspected DUI driver was arrested Wednesday in Petaluma after leading police on a chase, according to authorities. It was the second night in a row that the Petaluma Police Department pursued a fleeing DUI suspect.

At 9:45 p.m., a Petaluma officer near Petaluma Boulevard North and Skillman Lane saw a vehicle “engaging in an exhibition of speed and reckless driving.” When the officer attempted to stop the driver, later identified as 21-year-old Gadiel Cortez-Diaz, police said he failed to yield, sparking a brief pursuit. Police chased Cortez-Diaz into the western unincorporated area of Petaluma where he pulled over on Cavanaugh Lane, according to authorities.

Officers determined that Cortez-Diaz was under the influence of alcohol, police said. Inside his vehicle, officers located several open containers of alcohol. A photo shared by authorities shows 11 cans of Modelo and one bottle of Corona.

Cortez-Diaz was arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, reckless driving, reckless evading and possession of open containers in a vehicle.

Wednesday’s pursuit comes one day after Petaluma police chased a DUI suspect into a parking lot directly adjacent to the department’s station. That suspect was arrested following a standoff that lasted more than 40 minutes.