CHP investigates vehicle crash into Petaluma River

Officials said a vehicle went into the river near Petaluma Boulevard South, close to the Highway 101 overpass; driver taken to hospital.|
PAUL PAYNE
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT

The California Highway Patrol is investigating a crash that sent a pickup hurtling into the Petaluma River early Saturday.

The crash was reported about 5:30 a.m. near Petaluma Boulevard South, close to the Highway 101 overpass, Officer Jon Sloat said.

Driver Nathan Cabreana, 37, of Oakland, failed to negotiate a sweeping left turn and ran off the road, becoming completely submerged in the river, Sloat said.

Cabreana was able to swim out and was uninjured, although he was taken to Petaluma Valley Hospital as a precaution.

Two dogs also were in the vehicle and apparently escaped, but could not be found. The dogs’ breeds are not known at this time, the CHP said.

A Sheriff’s Office dive team helped pull the truck from the water. Sloat said state Fish and Wildlife Department officials were called because the truck leaked fluids into the river.

Staff Writer Martin Espinoza contributed to this report.

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