The Petaluma Police Department responded to numerous domestic disturbance reports on October 7 at the 700 block of Lakeville Circle. The responding officers encountered a male resident, Kenneth Massucco, previously charged with felony domestic violence-related crimes, according to the Petaluma Police Department. Upon reaching the scene, the police found the residence barricaded, escalating the disturbance into a standoff.
As the officers endeavored to negotiate with a defiant Massucco, the situation intensified, revealing the victim was potentially being held hostage. To manage the incident, the police department deployed its Crisis Response Team (CRT) and secured a warrant for Massucco's arrest.
Despite multiple negotiation attempts, officers remained worried about the victim as Massucco's defiance continued. Officers, fearing her responses might be directed by Massucco, made the decision to force entry into the residence. Confronted with a barricaded stairway, officers used a noise-flash diversionary device to sidetrack the noncompliant suspect.
The officers had to improvise as Massucco's persistent refusal to surrender continued, coupled with increased violence against the victim. Officers managed to access the victim by breaking an upstairs window, causing Massucco to move to a different room and providing the victim with the chance to escape. With the victim safe, the focus then shifted to the apprehension of Massucco.
Massucco, after a standoff lasting six hours and twenty minutes, eventually surrendered. He is now facing several charges, including felony domestic battery, false imprisonment, violation of a court order, committing a felony while out on bail, and resisting arrest according to the Petaluma Police Department. Massucco was taken and booked into the Sonoma County Jail, with his bail set at $250,000.
