DUI suspect takes teens on ride into tree

PETALUMA – A 22-year-old Petaluma man is in custody after reportedly taking three teenage passengers on a drunken ride into a tree Friday night.

Around 11:40 p.m. Jan. 7, residents of the 300 block of English Street reported a truck having driven up onto the sidewalk and hitting a large tree. After smashing into the tree, the vehicle sped off.

Shortly after, other neighborhood residents informed police that the heavily damaged truck was wedged on top of a large tree stump on Fair Street. Before officers arrived, the driver and three passengers abandoned the disabled truck and fled to the Petaluma High School campus.

Police created a perimeter around the school, and spotted Donovan Dolcini, 22, fleeing the west side of the school. After rounding him up, the police discovered three 16-year-old boys hiding inside the school.

Dolcini was identified as the driver of the vehicle by witness statements and descriptions, along with evidence collected at the scene. It was also determined that Dolcini had provided alcohol to the juveniles prior to driving them around in his truck. An open container of alcohol was discovered inside the vehicle.

“Dolcini was heavily intoxicated and refused to cooperate with officers who attempted to determine his blood alcohol level,” said Sgt. Marty Frye. “None of the occupants of the vehicle were injured in the collision.”

The three male juveniles were released to adults. Dolcini was booked into Sonoma County Jail with bail set at $75,000. He was charged with child endangerment, contributing to the delinquency of a minor, hit and run and driving under the influence.