For immediate release: 12/1/2025
By: Community Engagement Liaison Kelsey Mccarthy
Suspect Arrested for Assault With a Deadly Weapon
On Friday, November 28, at approximately 11:38 p.m., Officers from the Petaluma Police Department responded to a report of a disturbance in the parking lot of Denny’s in Petaluma. The reporting party stated that a subject, later identified as John Cast (36, Petaluma) had confronted an employee after the employee moved Cast’s property away from the front door of the business.
During the confrontation, Cast brandished a large knife, threatened to kill the employee, and waved the knife toward the victim. Officers arrived moments later; however, Cast had fled the scene prior to their arrival.
Officers located Cast in the surrounding area and detained him without further incident. A search of his person revealed the knife used during the confrontation. The victim was not physically injured and was able to positively identify Cast as the suspect.
Cast was arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Jail for Assault with a Deadly Weapon (PC 245(a)(1)) and Criminal Threats (PC 422(a)). The knife was collected and booked as evidence.
