Crime & Safety
Unlicensed Drivers Arrested For Racing Near Geyserville
Two cars chasing each other at 100-plus MPH northbound on Hwy. 101
Early Tuesday morning, at approximately 5:30 a.m. California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Phennicie was on patrol southbound on Hwy. 101, south of Independence Ln, when his attention was caught by two vehicles on the other side of the dividier, traveling northbound at a high rate of speed.
The officer activated his radar unit and confirmed a speed of 112 mph.
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Officer Phennicie made a U-turn and tried to overtake the racing vehicles. As he did so, he observed that the lead vehicle, a VW Jetta, was being followed by a Honda Civic approximately one car length behind it at over 100 mph.
When the CHP officer approached, the Honda made a sudden lane change, almost striking the patrol car.
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The officer activated his emergency lights and was able to pull over and detain both drivers.
While stopped on the side of the road, multiple drivers pulled over to give statements to the officer about the unsafe driving they had observed the two vehicles doing.
The driver of the VW was identified as Miguel Cardenas, 26, of Santa Rosa. The driver of the Honda was identified as Abelino Cardenas, 38, of Cotati. It is unknown if they are related.
Both drivers are unlicensed. Both drivers were arrested and charged with street racing and driving while unlicensed.
Both vehicles were impounded for 30 days.
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