For Immediate Release
Monday, March 24, 2025
Issued By: Sergeant Ronnie Flores, Petaluma PD, (707) 778-4450, rflores@cityofpetaluma.org
Incident:
Brandishing Firearm Report Leads to Discovery of Narcotics for Sales
Date Occurred :
March 24, 2025
Occurred Time:
12:04 AM
Location:
1372 N. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma
Suspect:
John Gillette Jr. (40-year-old New York Resident)
Incident Summary
On March 24, 2025, at 12:03 AM, officers were dispatched to the 1300 block of North McDowell Boulevard to investigate a report of a male brandishing a firearm and then fleeing in a vehicle. Officers located the suspect vehicle in the 5100 block of Old Redwood Highway and conducted a high-risk vehicle stop and detained a female driver and male passenger. The male, who was later identified as John Gillette Jr., was positively identified as the subject reportedly brandishing the firearm. After further investigation, no firearm was located on either subject or in the vehicle. However, pursuant to a consent vehicle search, officers located a large quantity of methamphetamine and paraphernalia associated with possessing for the intent to sell.
Gillette was ultimately arrested and booked at the Sonoma County Jail for felony 11378 H&S – Possession of a controlled substance for sales. The female driver was released on scene without charges.
During the initial high-risk stop, an Unmanned Aerial System (commonly referred to as a drone) operated by a trained PPD officer, was deployed to minimize the risk of harm to officers or the public, enhance situational awareness, and facilitate a more effective and safe response.
Media Inquiries should be directed to Lieutenant Zilverio Rivera (707)781-1277.
