A Santa Rosa maintenance worker became a victim of carjacking and assault yesterday when his work truck was forcibly taken from him outside the Kaiser Medical offices, according to Santa Rosa Police. The incident happened at around 1:30 P.M at 3975 Old Redwood Highway, with the suspect, identified as 41-year-old Matthew Webb of Cloverdale, now in police custody.
The worker had parked his white pickup truck near the front entrance when he saw Webb get into the vehicle and start the engine. The victim attempted to prevent Webb from leaving by trying to remove the keys, but Webb threatened him, claiming to possess a firearm, and rapidly drove off, dragging the victim for 25 yards. "The victim was dragged approximately 25 yards before falling to the ground," the Santa Rosa Police posted on social media. He was taken to a nearby hospital with moderate injuries following the ordeal.
Responding officers reviewed video surveillance footage, which led to the identification of Webb. A BOLO (Be On the Lookout) was issued, resulting in the joint efforts of Sonoma County Sheriff's Deputies, Healdsburg Police, and the air support unit Henry 1 to locate the stolen truck and Webb in Healdsburg.
In a turn of events, after parking the stolen vehicle, Webb switched to another car. As law enforcement approached, he chose to flee rapidly, igniting a pursuit through Healdsburg streets. During the chase, Webb "intentionally rammed a Healdsburg Police officer’s patrol vehicle," as stated in the Santa Rosa Police's account. Webb finally slowed his vehicle, tried to escape on foot, and was promptly captured.
The ongoing investigation sees Webb facing multiple charges, including carjacking, assault with a deadly weapon on a peace officer, felony evasion, and assault causing bodily injury.
