CHP Arrests Ukiah Woman on 4th Suspected DUI With Child

A Ukiah woman was arrested Thursday evening by the CHP on suspected DUI and child endangerment charges.

California Highway Patrol Officer Crandon Kopriva stopped a Dodge truckat about 6 p.m. Thursday while he was on routine patrol.

Police said Kopriva made the stop when he was notified by dispatch of a possible DUI driver on southbound 101 near Lytton Springs Road.

The Dodge truck was reportedly weaving between lanes, speeding, tailgating, and had almost caused several collisions, police said.

After getting updated locations, the officer was able to overtake the Dodge at College Avenue, where he observed it weaving and tailgating.

While exiting at College, the vehicle almost struck stopped traffic, and failed to follow the officers directions, before finally stopping near Morgan Street.

The officer contacted the driver, who was identified as Sarah Gamponia, 33, of Ukiah, police said. Gamponia was unable to provide a valid license, and a records check revealed that it has been suspended four times, police said.

According to the CHP, Gamponia has three convictions for DUI, two of which were in 2011, and is currently on probation.

The officer noted signs of intoxication, and began a DUI evaluation. Gamponia was unsure if she was in Santa Rosa or Hopland. Also in the vehicle was Gamponia’s 14-year-old son. Gamponia failed field sobriety tests, and was arrested.

Gamponia refused to perform a breath or blood test, as required by law. Gamponia was booked on charges of DUI, child endangerment, driving while suspended, violation of probation, and she faces a felony charge of having four DUIs within ten years.

Her son was transported to the Rohnert Park CHP office, where he was picked up by his grandmother.