Statement Regarding Recent Incident at Michael’s
As your Police Chief, and on behalf of the City of Petaluma, I want to start by assuring everyone that we take the responsibility of giving everyone a voice by responding to, and investigating all, reports of criminal activity seriously, especially when the nature of the alleged crime is significant like a possible attempted kidnapping of a child. We pursue this mission without bias towards age, race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, disability or religion.
Regardless of how or when the information comes to us, we have a responsibility, and are committed to, conducting thorough, fair, and impartial investigations that seek the facts supported by evidence. This is how we handle every investigation conducted by our Department. Investigations into alleged crimes that are supported by facts, based upon evidence, are submitted to the Sonoma County District Attorney’s Office for review for criminal charges.
Hate crimes of any type will not be tolerated and will be pursued aggressively. If evidence of a racially-motivated hate crime is found to have occurred we will seek prosecution to the fullest extent under the law.
Additionally, we will also seek prosecution to the fullest extent of law, if, at any time during our investigation, we find evidence of a person knowingly and intentionally making a false report of a crime.
I also want to clarify information regarding how we investigate reports of criminal activity—and specifically related to a recent investigation in response to a report from a community member that a possible attempted kidnapping had occurred on December 7, 2020. At the time of this incident, only suspicious behavior was reported, and there was insufficient evidence to establish that a crime had occurred.
On Monday December 14, 2020 the Petaluma Police Department became aware of a social media post made by the reporting party, in which she recounted and elaborated upon the incident with information alleging that a criminal violation may have been committed—information that was not disclosed with her original report.
On Thursday, December 17, 2020, based upon the evidence gathered to date, PPD launched an investigation into whether this incident was potentially falsely reported. That investigation is active and ongoing.
Any potential threat to our community’s safety will always receive a thorough investigation by the PPD. Evidence will be gathered and carefully evaluated before conclusions are reached. We appreciate the community’s patience with the criminal investigation process. Please reach out to me if you have additional questions or concerns:
[email protected] or 707.778.4370.
