Petaluma man arrested after leaving scene of hit-and-run crash [The Press Democrat, Santa Rosa, Calif.]

March 20--A hit-and-run driver who fled a three-car collision earlier in March on Monday was in custody, reported Petaluma police.

An investigation into the driver's identity was aided by evidence left at the scene -- the suspect's front bumper and license plate -- and a coincidence involving insurance policies, reported Lt. Tim Lyons.

The March 10 crash was on Lakeville Street. The driver hit one car, pushing it into another, then didn't stay for the police report, said Lyons.

The other two drivers were injured and one was hospitalized with moderate injuries.

While the suspect driver didn't stay, he did leave behind his front bumper, which had fallen from his car during the collision. The license plate still was attached.

A check of the license plate showed the car had just been released from a 30-day impound. It had been taken from the driver because he was unlicensed.

That information led to a possible suspect in the hit-and-run case, and the two victim drivers picked the man from a photo line-up, said Lyons.

The driver was identified as Romo Rodolofo Gonzalez, 24, of Petaluma.

Meanwhile, Gonzalez submitted an auto insurance claim, saying a friend had been in a Lakeville Street crash driving his car.

A victim from the hit-and-run crash had the same insurance broker and also submitted a claim, which alerted police to the suspect's address.

Officers Monday went to a Pepper Road home, found the car and Gonzalez.

Officers arrested him on suspicion of felony hit-and-run as well as on an outstanding warrant for driving with a suspended license.

He was booked into the Sonoma County Jail. Bail was $25,000.

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