Full Notification

Petaluma, CA— On June 5^th, 2025, at approximately 12:33 PM., Petaluma Police Department officers arrested Josh Garzoli (54, Petaluma) for making criminal threats toward a Petaluma City Schools District Official. The arrest comes after continued correspondence between Garzoli and Petaluma City Schools Officials.

On May 30, 2025, Garzoli left a concerning voicemail with Petaluma City Schools Officials demanding the removal of the pride flag from school grounds. Garzoli reportedly told a School District Official there would be “harsh consequences” if the flag was not removed.

On June 2, 2025, Garzoli arrived at the Petaluma Schools Administration Office. He was reported as being agitated and angry, demanding the removal of pride flags, but left without further incident.

On the morning of June 5, 2025, at approximately 9:18 AM, the Petaluma Police Department responded to a report of criminal threats made toward a Petaluma City Schools District Official.
 
The school official reported receiving an alarming email from Josh Garzoli. The message demanded the removal of pride flags from school grounds by the end of the school day (Thursday).  The message contained explicit threats, including a statement indicating he would have the District Administrator “executed” if the flags were not removed. The threat was considered specific, time sensitive, and caused safety concerns for school officials.

Detectives and members of the Community Impact Response Team (CIRT) located and arrested Garzoli without incident. He was booked into custody on suspicion of violating California Penal Code 422 – Criminal Threats, a felony offense. A bail enhancement was sought and granted in the amount of $750,000.

The Petaluma Police Department takes all criminal threats seriously. We are working closely with Petaluma City Schools to ensure additional security measures are in place and that district personnel feel supported and protected. The safety of our school staff, students, and broader community is our highest priority.

Media inquiries may be directed to Lt. Matthew Parnow at [email protected] or phone 707-778-4372. Case number 25-1879.