The Sonoma Sheriff's Office recounted a chase through several towns that ended with a man wanted on a felony warrant attempting a watery escape before being apprehended. Brandon Wallace, 42, initiated a pursuit with law enforcement after deputies identified his SUV. Wallace was wanted for allegations, including domestic violence and terrorist threats. The pursuit saw Wallace leading law enforcement through a considerable swath of Sonoma County, employing dangerous maneuvers that put innocent people at risk.
According to Sonoma Sheriff's Facebook post, Tuesday's incident escalated as Wallace managed to avoid apprehension despite PIT maneuvers and spike strips. Adding to the officers' challenges, Wallace brandished what appeared to be a black pistol when surrounded, only to continue the chase by ramming a patrol car.
Ultimately, Wallace attempted to evade officers by driving into the Petaluma River. Abandoning his sinking vehicle, he tried first to commandeer a boat and then resorted to paddling out with a kayak. The standoff continued with Wallace resisting negotiation and treading water for nearly two hours.
A collective effort from several law enforcement agencies and the Petaluma Fire Department culminated in Wallace's arrest. As reported by the Sonoma Sheriff, the arsenal involved included a helicopter, multiple boats, and K-9 units, demonstrating the lengths taken to bring a difficult situation under control without injury. The weapon in question was later identified as a BB gun recovered from the SUV's floorboard by a dive team member.
Wallace faced a significant increase in bail, from the initial $70,000 to $2,000,000, reflecting the severity of the allegations against him. He was booked on charges of felony evading, assault with a deadly weapon, and obstruction. After a medical evaluation, he remains in custody.