DUI driver fails to evade police during San Mateo’s Cruise Night

(KRON) — A DUI driver was arrested for more than a dozen criminal charges after he allegedly tried to evade officers during San Mateo’s Cruise Night.

Thousands of classic car lovers were in San Mateo for the annual event Saturday when officers allegedly saw a Buick make an illegal U-turn near the intersection of Avila Road and El Camino Real around 7:57 p.m. The dangerous maneuver caused other drivers to slam on their brakes and officers attempted to pull the driver over, according to the San Mateo Police Department.

“As the officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, the driver increased speed and fled,” San Mateo PD said. “The driver drove recklessly into oncoming traffic and through a red light, at which time the pursuit was terminated due to the amount of vehicular traffic and potential for harm to public safety.”

A motorcycle cop assigned to the event was stationed near the intersection of 17th Avenue and El Camino Real when he heard the sound of screeching tires, police said. The officer saw the Buick swerve around a line of traffic and run a red light. Unaware of the recently discontinued chase, the officer attempted to stop the Buick.

“The Buick continued to evade, and in doing so, side-swiped a car but kept fleeing south,” San Mateo PD said. “As the officer was behind the Buick, the driver brake checked the officer, causing the officer to maneuver his bike to avoid a collision with the back of the Buick.”

The Buick eventually drove into a traffic jam at 20th Avenue and El Camino Real, and was unable to escape the traffic. Officers moved in to arrest the driver and detain two passengers in the Buick.

The driver, 34-year-old Ronald Wetzel, was determined to have a blood-alcohol level of .17%, according to police. He also had a warrant for his arrest.

Inside the Buick, police allegedly found an unloaded “ghost gun” with two magazines and cases of ammunition. Wetzel was arrested and booked into the San Mateo County Jail. The Buick was towed and the two passengers were released at the scene.

Wetzel is being held at the Maguire Correctional Facility on $320,000 bail for the following charges.

• Assault Upon Peace Officer Or Firefighter
• Carry Concealed Loaded Weapon
• Having Concealed Firearm In Vehicle
• DUI Alcohol
• Driving When Privilege Suspended For Prior Dui Conviction
• Hit And Run Driving Resulting In Property Damage
• Evading An Officer, Willful Disregard
• Possession of a Firearm Without Identification Number
• Willful Cruelty to a Child
• Driving Under The Influence Of An Alcoholic Beverage Causing Injury
• Leaving The Scene Of An Accident
• Driving When Privilege Suspended For Prior Dui Conviction
• Reckless Driving
• Fleeing A Pursuing Peace Officer’s Motor Vehicle While Driving Recklessly