Full Notification

On 08/22/2024 at approximately 4:22 PM, the Petaluma Police Department received 911 calls regarding a dispute at an address in the 700 block of Marin Way, Petaluma.
 
While officers were en-route, the victim reported the suspect, later identified as Heather Doyle (a 50-year-old Petaluma resident), had armed herself with a machete and had chased the victim inside the residence. It was further reported that the victim had barricaded himself in a nearby room, which Doyle allegedly hacked at and was able to make entry. Doyle then allegedly attempted to assault the victim with the machete, but no contact was made.
 
After a brief confrontation, Doyle fled the room, but it was unknown if she had left the residence as the victim was still barricaded inside. Officers surrounded the residence and were told multiple people were inside the residence and Doyle’s location was unknown. In an attempt to deescalate the situation, officers made several announcements into the residence in the hopes Doyle would exit the residence and could be detained without incident.
 
After several minutes, officers were able to communicate with the victim and a second uninvolved resident; they were able to safely evacuate both out of the residence to nearby officers. Petaluma officers then entered the residence to ensure Doyle was no longer inside. After it was determined Doyle was not at the residence, new information was discovered that she may have fled to Novato.
 
The Petaluma Police Department asked the Novato Police Department to respond to a possible location Doyle may have fled to. After locating her vehicle, the Novato Police Department was able to take her into custody without incident. Petaluma PD officers later took custody of Doyle.
 
She was placed under arrest and later booked at the Sonoma County Jail for Assault with a Deadly Weapon. There were no injuries reported during the incident and the weapon was recovered.
 
Any media inquires should be directed to Lieutenant Matt Parnow at [email protected] or 707-778-4372 regarding Petaluma PD case PE24-0003307.