14-03-2025
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.
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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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