Assault on a Peace Officer and DUI Arrest

On 12-17-17, shortly after 2:00 A.M. a Sonora Police Officer was patrolling in the downtown area of Sonora when he observed a vehicle stop and partially block the roadway on S. Stewart Street near Theall Street. The Officer observed the vehicle had stopped to load passengers into the vehicle, rather than pulling over to the curb. The Officer stopped the vehicle for blocking the roadway and made contact with the driver, who was identified as George Falero, 31 years old of Sonora.

As the Officer spoke with Falero, the Officer observed Falero exhibit signs of intoxication. The Officer administered several Standardized Field Sobriety Tests and determined Falero had been driving under the influence of alcohol. Falero was then given his choice of a chemical test, but refused to submit to the test.

Falero was transported to Adventist Health Sonora, where he continued to refuse to submit to a chemical test. The arresting Officer was able to obtain a telephonic search warrant to collect a chemical blood sample as evidence. Officers had to forcefully restrain Falero so hospital staff could obtain a sample. While officers restrained Falero he kicked one Officer several times in the leg. That Officer did not sustain any serious injuries.

Falero was transported to the Tuolumne County jail where he was booked on resisting officers by force, a felony and suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. Falero was held on $20,000 bail.