5 Arrests Made In Halloween Night Teen Melee

PETALUMA, CA — At least five arrests have been made in connection with a large brawl Halloween night in the parking lot of a Petaluma shopping center.

Officers were dispatched at 10:42 p.m. Oct. 31 in response to 911 calls about the melee at River Plaza, 80 E. Washington St.

During the initial investigation it was reported that a large group of teens approached a smaller group of teens in the parking lot. Witness accounts vary, but some estimated there were 20 teens in the larger group and approximately six in the smaller one.

The larger group is believed to have instigated a fight with the smaller group and then physically attacked them.

"During the attack one juvenile from the smaller group sustained a significant injury and was transported by a friend to a local hospital for treatment," Petaluma police Sgt. Ryan McGreevy said. "The juvenile is expected to recover from their injuires."

Police said members of the larger group used weapons during the fight and according to witnesses, one person in the large group produced a handgun and pointed it at someone in the smaller group.

The gun was not fired, police said.

Both groups fled the shopping center before officers arrived.

Police confirmed teens in both groups were students at multiple Petaluma City Schools. Police also obtained evidence there was gang affiliation among members of the large group.

The weekend after the fight, police arrested three minors who were booked into juvenile hall on suspicion of various charges including conspiring to assault the victim group.

As the investigation continued, detectives identified a suspect in the large group who stabbed one of the victims. The stabbing suspect was arrested Nov. 4 and booked into juvenile hall, police said.

A fifth juvenile suspect who is believed to have played a significant role in the attack was also arrested Nov. 4 and booked into juvenile hall.

Detectives were continuing to follow up on all leads and tips, including any relevant information about the gang affiliation, and asked anyone with information to contact Detective Hansen at ahansen@cityofpetaluma.org or 707-778-4372 or email ppdtips@cityofpetaluma.org.

• PREVIOUS: Juvenile Suffers Significant Injury In Large Fight