Chaos erupted in the Petaluma neighborhood yesterday when an 88-year-old man reportedly fired a gun after an altercation with family members. Petaluma Police swiftly responded to the scene at the 1300 block of Marian Way, following a distress call around 11:30 AM about an armed individual, later identified as Ronald Shipley. Officers learned that Shipley had retreated to the residence's backyard, where a drone captured him discharging a solitary round, according to details released by the Petaluma Police Department.
With urgency, officers evacuated the home's occupants and, after extended negotiations failed, they entered the residence and apprehended Shipley without further incident. Investigations revealed the concerning detail that Shipley had fired into the house while others were still present. A charge for shooting at an inhabited dwelling was later leveled against him as he was booked into the Sonoma County Jail, the police notification detailed.
Canine Pinky, a Labrador/Pointer with a keen nose for firearms and ammunition, played a crucial part in the operation. When dispatched through the residence, the trained canine signaled the hidden location of the firearm believed to have been used by Shipley during the ordeal.
