Full Notification

On Wednesday, July 23, 2025, at approximately 11:50 pm, officers from the Petaluma Police Department responded to a report of a suspicious individual allegedly prowling in the Keokuk Street and Cherry Street. The reporting party stated that the subject had been seen entering private backyards and behaving suspiciously by walking around neighboring front yards, examining porches, and attempting to enter backyards.
 
Officers arrived in the area and quickly located a subject matching the description provided. A positive identification was made on scene by the reporting party, confirming the suspect, later identified as Dan Coates (55, Chico) as the person observed trespassing. Coates initially refused commands from officers but was ultimately taken into custody.
 
During the investigation, officers also determined that the suspect was also under the influence of a controlled substance. Coates was placed under arrest without further incident and transported to the Sonoma County Jail for booking on the following charges:
 

• PC 647(h) – Prowling on private property
• HS 11550(a) – Under the influence of a controlled substance
• PC 148(a)(1) – Resisting, delaying, or obstructing a peace officer
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The Petaluma Police Department would like to extend our appreciation to the concerned community member who helped keep Petaluma safe by reporting this incident to us. We always encourage residents to report suspicious activity to our department by calling 911. For non-emergency situations, please use (707) 778-4373.