Police Chase Leads To St. John's Church In Healdsburg During A Baptism

HEALDSBURG, CA — The police pursuit of a Cloverdale man wanted for burglary ended inside a Healdsburg church during a service.

The chase began on Sunday at about 2:30 p.m. when two Healdsburg police officers spotted the man, Arturo Rodriguez Herrera, 40, of Cloverdale.

Rodriguez was on probation, and wanted in connection with a recent theft investigation, and had multiple warrants out for his arrest, including charges for violating probation and felony burglary, according to police.

When the police tried to stop Rodriguez, he fled into St. John’s Church on Matheson Street, where a baptism was happening.

Officers pulled Rodriguez from the church. Outside, Rodriguez struggled with the officers, attempting to bite the officers and grabbing one officer's genitals, Healdsburg Police Sgt. Will Van Vleck said.

During the altercation, one of the officers scraped his knee and injured his thumb and wrist.
Rodriguez was clenching a pipe and methamphetamine in his hand during the struggle, Van Vleck said.

According to police, Rodriguez was arrested on multiple charges, including felony resisting arrest with violence, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and violation of probation, in addition to the outstanding warrants.