Full Notification

Petaluma Police Department 
News Release 

For Immediate Release
Monday, August 22^nd, 2022
Issued by: Acting Sergeant Chris Ricci, 707-778-4372, [email protected]

Incident:                      Subject Arrested for Narcotic and Gun Possession
Report Number:          22-3538
Occurred Date:            August 21, 2022
Occurred Time:           12:05 AM
Location:                     Kentucky Street, 100 block
Suspects:                     George Ruiz, age 22 (Petaluma resident)
Charges                       Possession of a Loaded Firearm in Public, 25850(a) PC
                                    Assault with a Firearm, 245(a)(2) PC
                                    Possession of a Controlled Substance, 11350(a) HS
                                    Possession of a Controlled Substance While Armed, 11370.1 HS
                                    Possession of a Large Capacity Magazine, 32310 PC
                                   


Incident Summary

On August 21, 2022, the Petaluma Police Department received a report of a subject brandishing a firearm Downtown Petaluma.  The reporting party advised the Police Department the subject pointed the gun at multiple patrons on Kentucky Street.  The reporting party provided a detailed description of the subject.  Officers responded to Kentucky St. and contacted George Ruiz, who matched the description provided by the reporting party.
 
Officers detained Ruiz without incident and retrieved a Smith & Wesson pistol from his front waistband.  The firearm was loaded, the serial number appeared to be altered, and a record’s check on the firearm was unsuccessful.  The firearm had a large-capacity magazine inserted in the magazine well.  Ruiz was also found to be in possession of suspected cocaine.  Ruiz was subsequently arrested for possession of a firearm in a public, assault with a firearm, possession of a controlled substance, possession of a controlled substance while armed, and possession of a large capacity magazine.
 
The Petaluma Police Department wants to thank the reporting party and community members for their assistance in identifying Ruiz and helping keep the community safe.