Full Notification

PRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, May 3, 2023
Issued By:
Lieutenant Jeremy Walsh
Petaluma PD
707.776.3743

Incident: Sexual Assault/Rape
Occurred Date: May 2, 2023
Occurred Time: 11:41 PM
Case Number: 23-1941
Location: Bodega Ave, West of Howard Street Petaluma
Suspect: Noel Ortiz Cortez, 41-Year-Old Petaluma Resident
Charges: Felony 261 (A)(2) PC- Rape by Force

Incident Summary:
On Tuesday night, May 2, 2023, at 11:41 PM, Petaluma Police Officers responded to Bodega Ave for a report of a sexual assault that just occurred. The victim reported calling J’s Taxi requesting a ride from the downtown area to a residence on the west side of town.

The cab driver, Noel Ortiz Cortez picked up the victim and drove to the requested destination. Prior to the victim exiting the cab, Cortez entered the rear of the cab through the rear driver’s side door. Cortez closed the door and sexually assault the victim. After the assault, the victim exited the cab and contacted the police.

Officers and Detectives from the Petaluma Police Department Investigations Team canvassed the area and located video evidence corroborating the victim’s account. Cortez was located and placed under arrest for the sexual assault. Detectives recovered forensic evidence from Cortez and the taxicab.

Cortez was ultimately placed under arrest and booked at the Sonoma County Jail.

This is still an active and ongoing investigation; and no further information is being released at this time. If anyone has further information relevant to this investigation, please contact Petaluma Police Department Detective Ronald Flores at [email protected] or by phone at 707-778-4450.

Media inquiries may be directed to Lieutenant Jeremy Walsh at [email protected] or by phone at 707-776-3743.