Full Notification

Petaluma Police Department 
Press Release 
For Immediate Release 
Monday, November 4, 2024

Incident:              Juvenile Injured During Large Fight (update)
Occurred Date:   10/31/2024
Occurred Time:   10:42 pm
Location:             80 E. Washington Street (River Plaza parking lot)
Case Number:    24-4261

Summary- 
This is an update to an ongoing investigation. This press release is the 2^nd update since the original was issued on November 1, 2024.
 
Since Halloween night, PPD detectives have been following up on this case. During the investigation it was learned that a subject from the large (suspect) group stabbed one of the victims. That suspect has been identified as a juvenile and was arrested today. He was booked into juvenile hall. A 5^th juvenile suspect was also arrested today who played a significant role in the attack. He was also booked at juvenile hall.
 
At this point, evidence has been obtained indicating that there was gang affiliation amongst the suspect group. Detectives are following up on all leads and tips including any relevancy to the gang affiliation. This is still an active investigation. Because it involves minor victims, suspects, and witnesses, there is little information beyond the press release that is releasable.
 
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Hansen at [email protected], 707-778-4372, or [email protected]. 
 

Update #1 (from 11/3/24):

On 10/31/2024, at approximately 10:42pm, the Petaluma Police Department received 9-1-1 calls regarding a large fight in the parking lot of the River Plaza shopping center. 

During the initial investigation it was reported that a large group of teens approached a smaller group of teens in the parking lot. Witness accounts vary, but some estimate that the larger group had upwards of 20 people, while the smaller group had approximately six people. 

The larger group instigated a fight with the smaller group and then physically attacked them. During the attack one juvenile from the smaller group sustained a significant injury and was transported by a friend to a local hospital for treatment. The juvenile is expected to recover from their injuries. 

In addition to personal body weapons (hands, feet, etc.) members of the larger (suspect) group utilized weapons during the fight. Per witness accounts, one member of the suspect group produced a handgun during the incident and pointed it at a member of the smaller (victim) group. The gun was not fired.  Both groups fled the shopping center prior to police arrival. 

The PPD Investigations Unit assumed control of the investigation late Thursday evening and has been actively following up on witness statements, evidence collection, and community tips. Throughout the incident, PPD has continuously communicated with Petaluma City Schools. Members from both teen groups are students at multiple Petaluma City Schools. 

Over the weekend, three minors were arrested and booked at juvenile hall for various charges including conspiring to assault the victim group. This case is still active and because it involves minor victims and suspects there is information that is not yet available or releasable. Investigators are continuing to follow-up on information regarding other suspects in this case. 

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Hansen at [email protected] or [email protected].