On Saturday, January 31, 2026, at approximately 11:34 a.m., the Petaluma Police Department Dispatch Center received a report of a disturbance in the 700 block of Baywood Drive. The reporting party stated that his roommate had assaulted and threatened him.
Officers responded and contacted the victim, who described the incident, including being threatened by his roommate. The roommate was later identified as Jason Hackathorn (a 52-year-old Petaluma resident). Officers believed Hackathorn had later left the area in his vehicle. Based on the information gathered, officers determined there was probable cause for his arrest and subsequently obtained an arrest warrant. Subsequent attempts to contact and arrest Hackathorn for the outstanding warrant were unsuccessful.
On Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at approximately 9:00 a.m., an officer on patrol utilized Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) technology and learned the vehicle associated with Hackathorn was in Petaluma. The officer located the vehicle in the 400 block of North McDowell Boulevard and conducted an enforcement stop. Hackathorn was identified as the driver and was arrested on the outstanding felony warrant related to this incident.
The Petaluma Police Department would like to recognize the effective use of ALPR technology in assisting with locating the suspect vehicle, which led to a safe apprehension.
Media inquiries can be directed to Lieutenant Matthew Parnow, at 707-778-4372. Petaluma Police Department case number 26-0312.
