Chaos erupted at a Petaluma bar when security staff allegedly assaulted a patron, leading to the arrest of five employees and the temporary closure of the establishment. Authorities reported that on the night of April 20, at Jamison’s Roaring Donkey on Kentucky Street, a verbal dispute between bar security and a patron turned violent, resulting in severe injuries.
According to the Petaluma Police Department, the incident started inside the restroom and escalated quickly as security staff forcibly ejected the victim, a 38-year-old man, from the bar. After being hit and thrown to the ground by the bar's security team, the man reportedly sustained significant injuries, including swelling and bruising to his head.
An independent witness informed officers that multiple security personnel were involved in the battery, stating they saw one individual place the victim in a chokehold while others punched and kicked him. Following the assault, the Petaluma Fire Department attended to the injured party, who was later advised to seek further medical treatment.
The five apprehended individuals are Diego Vega-Ramirez, 25, from Rohnert Park, Christopher Jonathan Ortiz, 31, from Santa Rosa, Miguel Jasso Berber, 25, from Santa Rosa, Daniel Vega-Ramirez, 27, from Santa Rosa, and Christopher Vega-Ramirez, 25, from Santa Rosa. They face charges of battery causing serious bodily injury and criminal conspiracy. Alongside the other charges, having brass knuckles on him, one of the Vega-Ramirezes is facing an extra charge for possessing an illegal weapon. Two of the accused have previous convictions: Daniel Vega-Ramirez for DUI and Miguel Jasso Berber for a weapons-related offense.
In the wake of the altercation, Jamison's Roaring Donkey management decided to close the bar for the evening, citing concerns about properly managing the crowd with a depleted security staff. The Petaluma Police Department is continuing its investigation and seeking additional witnesses and video surveillance that may shed further light on the incident.
The City of Petaluma and the Petaluma Downtown Association continue collaborating to promote a safe environment for residents and visitors. In line with city regulations, including the Alcohol-Related Nuisance Ordinance, this incident may have repercussions for the establishment. Petaluma authorities are committed to ensuring that such violent incidents remain an exception in their community.
