Felon Arrested For Loaded Gun, Billy Club In Public: Petaluma Police

PETALUMA, CA — A man previously convicted in Sonoma County for carrying around a billy club in public was recently arrested in Petaluma on suspicion of the same crime as well as other offenses.

Michael Aaron Galli, 34, originally from Claremont in Southern California, was walking in the 4000 block of Petaluma Boulevard North around 3:30 a.m. Thursday when he was contacted by a Petaluma police officer.

"Galli showed to have a Sonoma County warrant issued for his arrest due to a probation violation," Acting Petaluma police Sgt. Art Farinha said. "Furthermore, Galli was still on Sonoma County Probation with a search and seizure clause permitting officers to search his person and property."

In a search of Galli’s backpack, it is alleged that officers found a loaded Smith & Wesson .38-caliber handgun, 27 additional rounds of .38-caliber ammunition, a billy club, suspected methamphetamine and the associated drug paraphernalia.

Galli was taken to Sonoma County jail where he was booked on suspicion of carrying a loaded firearm in a public place, felon in possession of a firearm, possession of a baton, possession of a controlled substance while armed with a loaded firearm, possession of drug paraphernalia, and for the outstanding Sonoma County arrest warrant.

According to court records, Galli was found guilty in November 2021 of possession of a billy club and possession of controlled substance paraphernalia. Two charges, possession of a throwing star and possession of a knife, were dismissed and he was sentenced to 60 days in jail and 12 months probation. When it was time to serve his jail sentence, it is alleged he did not show up and a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Jail records Monday indicated Galli has been released from custody following his most recent arrest.