Honda High-Speed Chase Leads To Petaluma Arrest

PETALUMA - A man was arrested in Petaluma Wednesday after leading police on a chase that reached speeds estimated at more than 80mph on Lakeville Highway, according to authorities.

35-year-old Justin Merino, a Petaluma resident, was arrested on multiple charges including felony evading and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

According to Petaluma police, an officer was patrolling the area of Lakeville Highway near the South McDowell Extension about 6 p.m. when he noticed a black 1998 Honda Civic with Washington license plates passing vehicles - heading eastbound - on the right shoulder of the road at a high rate of speed.

Petaluma Police Officer Art Farinha estimated the speed of the suspect vehicle at more than 90 mph, according to authorities.

Police say when Farinha attempted to pull over the Honda, the suspect slowed and came to a stop near Pine View Way. But as the officer stopped, the vehicle sped off again, and a pursuit began that reached speeds of more than 80 mph, according to Petaluma police.

In the area of Cannon Lane, police say they observed the suspect throw what appeared to be a shiny metal object out of the driver’s window onto the roadway.

After a pursuit of about seven miles, the vehicle stopped in the 7000 block of Lakeville Highway, according to authorities.

Police say as officers tried to place handcuffs on the suspect, he resisted arrest and fought. According to Petaluma police, the suspect appeared to be under the influence of alcohol and or drugs.

An ambulance was called as a precaution for his safety.

According to Petaluma police, officers found a partially consumed twelve pack of Corona beer bottles and two open beer bottles that police believe the suspect was drinking while he was driving. Police say a search of the area near Cannon Lane revealed an empty liquor bottle.

Justin Moreno was transported to Petaluma Valley Hospital for medical clearance, then booked at Sonoma County Jail on charges of felony evading, reckless driving, resisting arrest, and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs.

Police say his bail was set at $30,000.

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