Police: Drunk man's trip to Petaluma In-N-Out Burger triggers chase
(KRON) — A lengthy chase involving a Sonoma County Sheriff's helicopter was initially triggered by one Petaluma man's intoxicated trip to an In-N-Out Burger restaurant, police said.
Someone called police just before 7 p.m. on March 9 to report a suspected drunk driver who was in an In-N-Out Burger drive-thru line in Petaluma. The driver, Christian Gaussen-Butler, appeared to be intoxicated while officers stopped and questioned him.
Gaussen-Butler, 26, decided to flee from police by driving onto Highway 101 and speeding, according to the Petaluma Police Department. 'Officers pursued Gaussen-Butler for approximately three miles on southbound Highway 101 before ultimately terminating the pursuit based on Gaussen-Butler's erratic lane changes, excessive speed, and passing other motorists on the shoulder,' PPD wrote.
Officers lost sight of Gaussen-Butler's car just prior to the San Antonio Road exit. Ten minutes later, the car crashed into a power pole. A California Highway Patrol helicopter, Henry-1, spotted the driver hiding on a heavily-wooded hillside a quarter mile from the crash scene.
The helicopter crew coordinated a perimeter with Petaluma police officers, Sonoma County Sheriff deputies, and California Highway Patrol officers on the ground.
'Officers contacted Gaussen-Butler on the hillside where he again fled on foot through several creek beds, fences, and open fields. Ultimately Gaussen-Butler surrendered and was taken into custody with minor injuries,' PPD wrote. Video of the foot chase can be viewed in the video player above.
Thursday is last day to drive along SF's Great Highway
The man was treated at a hospital for his injuries. He was later arrested on suspicion of felony evading, driving under the influence of alcohol, driving on a suspended license, and resisting arrest.
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