Full Notification

On Wednesday, December 20, 2023, at approximately 2005 hours, the Petaluma Police Department Dispatch Center received a phone call of a non-responsive subject lying on the sidewalk in the area of Ely Boulevard South at Sugarloaf Court. Due to the nature of the call, both the Petaluma Fire Department and officers from the Petaluma Police Department began responding to the area. While both were enroute, the dispatch center received an update that the subject in question had ‘come to’ and armed himself with a knife. When officers arrived on scene, they located two victims who had been stabbed and a third victim who had an injury to his head.
 
After attending to the victims and interviewing witnesses on scene, officers determined the following. Christian Baker (30-year-old Santa Rosa resident) was discovered by multiple people lying on the sidewalk unresponsive. A handful of people stopped to render aid and call 9-1-1 for assistance. At some point, Baker spontaneously stood up and armed himself with a knife. Baker, who was still armed with a knife, began chasing the innocent people around. A struggle ensued and Baker pushed one of the bystanders to the ground knocking him (a bystander) unconscious. Baker began advancing toward the now victim who was lying on the ground. Other bystanders came to the aid of the victim and helped stop Baker who appeared intent on stabbing the unconscious victim who had been pushed to the ground. Two of the bystanders who intervened received small lacerations to their hands.
 
Ultimately, the police arrived on scene and with the help of the bystanders, Baker was taken into custody. Baker showed signs and symptoms of being under the influence of alcohol. A records check of Baker revealed he had a significant criminal history which included being on parole for burglary. Baker was ultimately transported to the Sonoma County Jail for the following charges: assault with a deadly weapon (x3), obstructing/resisting a police officer, and violation of his parole.
 
All three victims were transported to local hospitals with non-life-threatening injuries. The two victims that were stabbed in the hand(s) received suturing before being released from the hospital.  
 
We want to thank all the those who stopped and rendered aid. It is unfortunate their good deeds were met with such a violent act. We are thankful that all three victims sustained non-life-threatening injuries and we wish them all the best as they recover from this event.
 
Media inquiries may be directed to Lt. Matthew Parnow at [email protected] or phone 707-778-4372.