Off-duty CHP officer detains Santa Rosa man on suspicion of DUI

An off-duty CHP officer detained a man suspected of weaving through traffic and almost hitting several cars Thursday.|
CLARK MASON
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

A Santa Rosa man was arrested on suspicion of being under the influence of methamphetamine after his erratic driving drew the attention of an off-duty CHP officer.

CHP Officer Mike Phennicie was in his personal vehicle on Highway 101 north of Windsor around 8 a.m. Thursday when he spotted a Saturn sedan ahead of him weave, cross both lanes onto the shoulder, and almost rear-end several vehicles, according to authorities.

Phennicie followed the car to Geyserville, where it stopped in front of a vineyard management business. He identified and detained the driver until on-duty officers arrived.

The driver, Justino Merlino-Merino, 29, showed signs of drug intoxication and was determined to be under the influence of methamphetamine, according to Officer Jon Sloat.

Merlino-Merino also had no license or insurance, according to the CHP.

He was booked into Sonoma County Jail on charges of driving under the influence of a controlled substance before being released Thursday night.

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