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Suspected DUI Crash Triggers Santa Rosa Blackout as Driver Is Booked on Felony Counts

Police report a rapid power restoration with evidence including an almost-empty whisky bottle recovered near the scene.

Overview

  • The Tuesday crash around 12:20 p.m. on Piner Road east of Marlow Road shattered a PG&E pole and brought down power lines.
  • Santa Rosa police identified the driver as 46-year-old Anthony Turnbull, saying his blood alcohol content exceeded 0.08% and noting a 2021 DUI conviction.
  • Witnesses said the driver walked away and tossed a bottle, and officers recovered an almost-empty Fireball whisky bottle they determined belonged to him.
  • Outage estimates ranged from more than 6,000 PG&E customers to roughly 15,000–20,000 residents, with most service restored by 1:05 p.m.
  • PG&E crews arrived within about 15 minutes to begin repairs, road closures continued into the evening, and the Piner–Marlow intersection reopened by 4 a.m. Wednesday.