Crime & Safety

Dog as 'Passenger' in Carpool Lane Does Not Count

CHP arrests man for DUI after stop due to carpool violation.

Most carpool lane drivers on Highway 101 in Sonoma County try to carry the required number of (human) passengers.

But for one driver this week, not so much.

On Tuesday, at approximately 5:10 p.m, California HighWay Patrol officers on routine patrol observed a Ford pickup in the carpool lane pass their location while driving on southbound 101, according to CHP spokesman Jonathan Sloat.

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Sloat said the officers "noted that the truck was being driven by a male, with a dog in the passenger’s seat," he said. "Officers made a stop on the truck, which slowly yielded to the right shoulder south of Hearn Avenue.

"Upon contacting the driver, officers immediately noted signs of intoxication," Sloat said. "The driver was unable to provide a driver’s license."

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The driver verbally identified himself as Martin Francis Reid, 48, of Rohnert Park, Sloat said.

"A records check revealed that Reid’s California driver’s license had expired in 1997, though he claimed to have one out of Massachusetts," Sloat added. "That license returned suspended."

Sloat said Reid subsequently failed field sobriety tests, and was placed under arrest.

"He was booked on charges of DUI, and driving while suspended," Sloat said. "The registered owner of the truck responded to the scene to take possession of the truck and dog."


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