Car Theft Goes Wrong, 1 Arrested

PETALUMA, CA — A Clearlake woman was arrested when she tried to steal someone's car in Petaluma, police said.

A witness called the Petaluma Police Department Feb. 5 when they saw the suspect —later identified as Krystle Hogan, 41, of Clearlake — try to steal the car, which was parked near an auto parts store at 361 E. Washington St.

As officers were en route to the location, the witness saw Hogan and the victim involved in a physical altercation. Hogan ran off but was found and detained by officers at the entrance to a nearby store.

Officers learned Hogan had approached the victim, a 74-year-old Sebastopol man, as he walked to his car. She requested a ride and when he refused, Hogan pushed him away from his car and struck him multiple times in the chest, police said.

Hogan then got into the man's car but could not start it.

It is alleged that when the victim confronted Hogan, she brandished a screwdriver in a threatening manner.

The victim tried to call 911 on his cellphone, which prompted Hogan to grab his phone from him and run away.

Hogan was arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of robbery, attempted vehicle theft, brandishing a deadly weapon, preventing a 911 call, elder abuse and resisting arrest. She remained in custody Monday with her bail set at $50,000.

The victim was not injured during the incident, police said.

The Petaluma Police Department thanked the community members who called 911 upon witnessing the incident and those who alerted officers to Hogan's whereabouts upon their arrival.