Petaluma Pedestrian Struck, Killed By Suspected DUI Driver
PETALUMA (CBS SF) -- A pedestrian died late Saturday night when a man suspected of driving while drunk struck him as he was crossing a street in Petaluma, according to police.
Around 10:55 p.m., officers responded to a report of a crash involving a pedestrian near the Petaluma Library at East Washington Street and Fairgrounds Drive, police said.
Once at the scene, officers found a man lying in the roadway and a white Mercedes utility van stopped in the roadway.
The victim was suffering from apparent injuries to his abdominal and chest area, as well as head trauma. Emergency personnel also responded and transported the victim to the hospital where he died, according to police.
Witnesses told officers the pedestrian, who was wearing dark clothing at the time, had begun crossing on East Washington Street in front of the oncoming Mercedes.
Witnesses also said the driver appeared to have been speeding through the area, which is a 30 mph zone, police said.
Officers learned the driver, identified as Scott Compton, had consumed alcohol earlier that evening. Officers then evaluated him for driving while under the influence, according to police.
After a blood test, officers arrested Compton on suspicion of DUI and vehicular manslaughter. His bail was set at $25,000, police said.
The victim, a 42-year-old man, has not been identified, pending notification of his family.
While the incident is still under investigation, police are asking anyone who may have witnessed the crash to contact Officer Matt Frick at (707) 776-3720.
Fatal traffic collision on East Washington St. in front of the Petaluma Library involving one vehicle and a pedestrian.
— Petaluma Police Dept (@petaluma_police) October 9, 2016
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