Crime & Safety
Petaluma Police Arrest Two on Suspicion of Vandalism in Separate Incidents
A citizen's report to police triggered one arrest, an officer's observation led to the other.
Police arrested two men on suspicion of vandalism in Petaluma last week in separate incidents.
Police responding to citizen's report to police of vandalism in progress involving three suspects at McNear Park at about 12:49 a.m. on Friday led to the arrest of Jimy Soriano Vazquez, 19 of Petaluma, Sgt. Marty Frye said.
Police arriving on the scene stopped Vasquez, who matched the description of one of the vandals described by the witness, as he was riding away on a bicycle, Frye said.
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Vasquez was found to be in possession of a switch-blade knife and marijuana, Frye said. Police determined Vasquez was already on probation for possession a switch-blade and vandalism convictions.
Evidence at the crime scene and in Vasquez's possession tied him to other graffiti in the park that police believe to be gang-related, Frye said.
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“Based on the graffiti and Vazquez’s past gang history, gang officers added a gang enhancement violation to the crime,” Frye said.
Vasquez was arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism, possession of a switch-blade knife, a probation violation and gang enhancement charges.
James Joseph Jensen, 18 of Rohnert Park, was arrested after police observed him tagging the enclosure of a newly installed East Washington Place shopping center bus stop with a large permanent marker at about 1:43 a.m. on Saturday, Frye said.
Jensen tried to run away when an officer approached him but was taken into custody after tripping on pavement at a nearby apartment complex, Frye said.
Jensen was out on bail in a case involved an assault with a deadly weapon at the time of his arrest, Frye said.
Jensen was intoxicated at the time of the incident.
The incident caused upwards of $1,000 in damage, Frye said.
Jensen was arrested on suspicion of felony vandalism, resisting arrest, and committing a felony while on bail.
Anyone with information about the these incidents or the suspects in these cases is asked to call the Petaluma Police Department 707-778-4372. Anyone with information wishing to remain anonymous can contact the PPD's Crime Tips line 707- 781-1200 or email ppdtips@ci.petaluma.ca.us.
