In a disturbing incident reported by the Santa Rosa Police Department, a local man was arrested after allegedly assaulting his grandmother and subsequently attacking a police officer during his detention. On the evening of June 19, a family disturbance call led officers to a residence on the 400 block of Walkam Place. According to the Santa Rosa Police Department's Facebook page, the suspect, identified as 25-year-old Paulino Garfias, is accused of pushing his 60-year-old grandmother during an argument, causing her to fall and suffer a forehead laceration.

Garfias had fled the scene prior to the police's arrival, but he was spotted shortly afterwards by an SRPD officer on Dutton Avenue, near the intersection with South Avenue. Upon contact, Garfias reportedly reacted defiantly, making obscene gestures before attempting to flee. After a brief chase, the officer tackled him, resulting in both falling to the ground. During the ensuing struggle, Garfias assaulted the officer, resulting in the officer's significant facial fracture.

In order to apprehend Garfias, who began to flee once more, the officer had to use a Taser. The temporary incapacitation allowed for Garfias to be successfully handcuffed with the support of additional officers arriving on the scene. Details from the Police Department indicate that Garfias has a history of altercations with law enforcement, having been arrested in 2018 and again in 2020 for offenses including battery against peace officers.

As a result of the altercation, the officer was sent to a hospital for treatment of a fractured facial bone, with an unconfirmed duration for recovery before being able to return to duty. Garfias now faces charges of felony battery causing injury to a peace officer, felony resisting arrest, and misdemeanor battery of a person. Due to the nature of the attack and his previous offenses, a bail enhancement of $100,000 was requested, and approved,