Mario Castaneda Killed in Petaluma DUI Crash Tuesday Night

Petaluma, California – One pedestrian who was killed following a Petaluma accident that occurred on Tuesday night, has been identified as Mario Gongora Castaneda, 53, of Petaluma.

On September 22, at around 7 pm, the accident took place on McDowell Boulevard and James Watkins, 41, of Cotati was arrested on suspicion of DUI following the accident.

James was driving a 2011 white Toyota Prius south on McDowell Boulevard when he turned into the sidewalk for unknown reasons, the police said.

The Prius hit Castaneda who was standing on the sidewalk near Baywood Drive.

Castaneda was attended by an off duty nurse along with two off duty police officers until other officers arrived at the scene.

Castaneda was rushed to the Petaluma Valley Hospital where he was declared dead.

Meanwhile, James was also taken to the hospital for testing on suspicion of DUI. He was then booked at Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility for felony DUI and vehicular manslaughter.

The accident is under investigation by the Petaluma Police Department.