Alleged Drunken Driver Crashes into San Rafael Yard After Chase with CHP

By Bay City News Service

A suspected drunken driver was arrested after leading the California Highway Patrol on a chase that ended when he crashed into a yard in San Rafael early Friday morning, according to CHP officials.

Patrol units were monitoring northbound U.S. Highway 101 near North San Pedro Road in San Rafael around 3 a.m. when a Buick Park Avenue sped past, CHP officials said.

The car was traveling at least 80 mph, according to the CHP.

Officers tried to stop the car, but the Buick, carrying two people, continued on until exiting at Manuel T. Freitas Parkway.

The officers announced they were pursuing the vehicle, which continued west on Freitas Parkway before the car made a quick turn onto a neighborhood street and proceeded to weave through the area and run stop signs, officials said.

The Buick turned right onto Tamarack Drive from Las Pavadas Avenue and then attempted to turn right on to Monticello Road, but lost control.

The car went over a curb, through a stop sign and a small tree and into a wooden fence before coming to rest just a few feet from a house, officials said.

Pursuing officers, with their weapons drawn, then approached the two people in the car.

The driver, identified as 26-year-old San Francisco resident Patrick McGuire, and the passenger, Joseph Taoli, 25, of San Rafael, were both detained and medically evaluated.

Taoli suffered minor injuries and was treated at the scene, officials said.

The officers said McGuire appeared to be intoxicated and performed a DUI test.

He was taken to Marin General Hospital and then booked into Marin County Jail on DUI and evading police charges, officials said.

According to the CHP McGuire has two prior convictions for drinking and driving.

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