Full Notification

Petaluma Police Department 
NEWS RELEASE
For Immediate Release 
Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Report Number:          24-2683 
Occurred Date :           July 5, 2024
Occurred Time:           12:36 PM
Suspect:                      Justin Kiesselbach (age 39, Petaluma)

Petaluma PD CIRT Officers and K9 Team Assist Marin County Sheriff’s Office in Apprehending a Felon

Petaluma PD CIRT Officers and K9 Team Assist Marin County Sheriff’s Office in Apprehending a Felon 

On July 5, 2024, Deputies with the Marin County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) were dispatched to contact a victim regarding a suspicious circumstance that had just occurred in unincorporated Novato on Indian Springs Road. The victim reported, an ex-boyfriend (suspect) had just come to her house with what appeared to be a semi-automatic handgun. The suspect pushed past the victim and entered the residence before searching the interior of the home, leading with the firearm, looking for another male. After the suspect left the home, the victim called 911.
 
Investigation into the suspect led to identifying him as 38-year-old Petaluma resident, Justin Kiesselbach, who is a convicted felon.  
 
MCSO Detectives authored a search warrant to search Kiesselbach, his vehicle, and his residence.

MCSO requested assistance from Petaluma PD. Our Community Impact Response Team (CIRT)  contacted Kiesselback in his vehicle at the Arroyo Shopping Center and  began a high-risk stop before Kisselback fled. A pursuit was initiated and lasted approximately 6 minutes before Kisselback ultimately yielded and was taken into custody. A loaded firearm was located within arm’s reach on the floorboard of the driver’s seat. 

Our K9 team of Officer Williams and K9 Pinky, (who is an explosive and firearm detection dog) were then dispatched to assist Marin Co. SO with search of the residence, which revealed an additional unregistered firearm.

Kiesselbach was later arrested and booked for the following charges: Brandishing a firearm in a threatening manner, burglary, felon in possession of a firearm, felon in possession of ammunition, and felony reckless evading.

We are happy to partner with our neighboring agencies to ensure the safety of our community nd are fortunate to recieve the same support when we need it. Sharing resources across departments is just another way we work together to protect our communities. Great work by both departments!