On 11/13/2017, at approximately 1641 hours, the Sebastopol Police Department received several 911 calls regarding a multi-vehicle, non-injury collision in the downtown area.
Upon arrival, Sebastopol Police officers began investigating what appeared to be a typical non-injury collision. At the conclusion of the investigation, the officers at the scene developed suspicion that the crash was not accidental, and was possibly a case of road rage. Additionally, an independent witness came forward and provided a statement which further indicated that the incident was an intentional attack, apparently provoked by a discourteous driving maneuver.
The victim in the case, as well as his 10-year-old passenger were not injured in the crash.
On 11/14/2017, at approximately 0841 hours, Sebastopol Police officers located and arrested the suspect, Samuel Ward-Hornstein, 27, for felony assault with a deadly weapon and felony vandalism. Ward-Hornstein was subsequently booked into the Sonoma County Jail.
The Sebastopol Police Department would like to remind the community that traffic congestion can frequently be a source of frustration for drivers. It is imperative that we all remain calm and courteous when operating a motor vehicle. Remember we are all stuck in this traffic together. Hasty maneuvers tend to add to the congestion and frustration. Please drive safe, and have a happy holiday.
