DUI Checkpoint Evasion Leads to Vehicle Pursuit, Arrest, and Narcotics Seizure

On December 19, 2025, at approximately 2000 hours, during a Santa Rosa Police Department DUI checkpoint operation, officers arrested a suspect following a vehicle pursuit that ended in a collision and the discovery of a large quantity of narcotics.

During the checkpoint, a driver later identified as Ruben Soto, a 44-year-old male, was directed to pull into a secondary screening area for further evaluation. The driver failed to comply and fled the checkpoint, prompting officers to initiate a vehicle pursuit.

The suspect drove through Santa Rosa city streets before entering eastbound Highway 12 and subsequently southbound Highway 101. During the pursuit, speeds ranged from approximately 65 to 90 miles per hour.
The pursuit ended when the suspect attempted to exit southbound Highway 101 at Petaluma Boulevard North. The suspect was unable to safely navigate the turn and struck a raised center divider, disabling the vehicle.

Following the collision, the suspect refused officers’ lawful orders to exit the vehicle for approximately five minutes before eventually exiting and being taken into custody without further incident.
Officers conducted a search of the vehicle and located a large quantity of narcotics, consistent with the sales and transportation of controlled substances.

• 0.5 pounds of suspected methamphetamine
• 111 grams of suspected heroin
• 17.7 grams of suspected fentanyl

• 23152(f) VC – Driving Under the Influence of Drugs
• 2800.2(a) VC – Felony Evading a Peace Officer
• 11378 H&S – Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale
• 11379(a) H&S – Transportation of a Controlled Substance
• 11351 H&S – Possession/Purchase of a Controlled Substance for Sale
• 11352 H&S – Transportation or Sale of a Controlled Substance
• 148(a)(1) PC – Obstructing or Delaying a Peace Officer