Sebastopol Police detailed an incident yesterday in which a man sitting in his vehicle outside the Redwood Credit Union with a weapon-like object prompted a high-risk police response. The social media post from the Sebastopol Police Department describes officers being dispatched at about 11:07 AM after the man was reported to have a “dual hand,” BB-gun-style firearm within arm’s reach. The bank, located at 7840 Covert Lane, was swiftly locked down by management.
The response was substantial, with additional support from Sonoma County Sheriff’s deputies and their helicopter unit, Henry 1. Law enforcement teams surrounded the subject’s vehicle.
What unraveled next was unexpected relief—the man emerged from his vehicle unarmed. Officers and deputies could detain the man without incident through conducting a high-risk stop. He was later found to be wielding what was confirmed to be a Bug-A-Salt pump salt shotgun, an apparatus designed to kill flies. According to the Sebastopol Police Department, the individual cooperated and clarified he was simply using the gun to kill flies while enjoying the radio. Having committed no crime, he was released, marking a peaceful end to what could have been a high-stakes confrontation.
