The Petaluma Police Department apprehended a suspect for felony charges of vandalism and arson on September 12. The incident unfolded at Douglas St. and was promptly addressed by local officers. According to a Facebook post by the Petaluma Police Department, the suspect, identified as 34-year-old William Calderon of Petaluma, was caught in the act of starting a fire after having smashed the windows of a vehicle.
Quick response from local law enforcement, spurred by a detailed description from an alert public member, led to Calderon’s arrest. The perpetrator was spotted wearing a hat, black hoodie, and light-colored jeans, matching the description provided by a witness. "Officers located a male (William Calderon, 34, Petaluma) who matched the provided description" and "observed starting a fire," the Petaluma Police Department detailed. Despite Calderon's attempt to flee upon realizing officers had seen him, he was detained following a short foot pursuit and identified by a witness linked to the initial vandalism call.
Calderon was found in possession of matches identical to those used in starting the fire. He now faces charges including felony vandalism, misdemeanor arson, and misdemeanor resisting, delaying, or obstructing a peace officer.
