Rain-Soaked HWY-101 Chase Ends In DUI Arrest

PETALUMA, CA — A speeding SUV barreled through rain-slick roads, ignored a traffic stop, and kept going even after spike strips shredded its tires before police arrested a 25-year-old driver on felony evading and DUI charges.

An Petaluma Police Department officer near Lakeville Street and Wilson Street spotted the SUV traveling well above the posted 30 m.p.h speed limit Sunday night despite wet conditions. A records check showed the vehicle’s registration was suspended, and after the officer observed additional violations, the driver accelerated onto northbound U.S. Highway 101 instead of stopping, police said.

The pursuit raced into Rohnert Park, where officers from the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety deployed spike strips near the Santa Rosa Avenue exit, puncturing the SUV’s driver-side tires. But the driver continued weaving across multiple lanes before exiting at Yolanda Avenue, authorities said.

The chase ended on Santa Rosa Avenue when sparks shot from the vehicle’s rims and the SUV ground to a stop.

Police identified the driver as Alyssa Metzger, 25. Officers detained her without further incident and reported signs of alcohol impairment. Police said they also found an open container of alcohol inside the vehicle.

A review of Metzger’s driving history showed a suspended license tied to a prior DUI conviction and multiple prior DUI-related arrests, according to authorities.

Investigators booked Metzger into the Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of felony reckless evading of a peace officer, driving under the influence and driving on a suspended license.

No injuries were reported.