Man Arrested For Threatening Ex-Girlfriend: Petaluma PD

PETALUMA, CA — A 30-year-old Petaluma man was arrested early Monday morning on suspicion of stalking, domestic violence, burglary and assault after threatening his ex-girlfriend, police officials said. Police said they received a "frantic" 911 call from a woman who said her ex-boyfriend was trying to break into her home at 2:35 a.m. Monday in the 300 block of Lakeville Circle.

Officers established a perimeter and were unable to locate him, but suspect Pedro Rivas-Morales, continued to text and call the victim to say he was watching her. Police said phone pings also confirmed he was still in the area.

The victim told officers Rivas-Morales had been stalking her, had threatened her, and attacked her several times, including holding a knife to her throat. She had also increased security measures at her home in an effort to prevent his break-ins, police said.

He had been arrested in a domestic violence incident with the same victim several months ago, but hadn't been subject to a restraining order, according to police.

A ping on Rivas-Morales' phone eventually placed him in downtown Petaluma, where officers responded and found him in a parked car.

He was taken into custody and booked into Sonoma County jail on suspicion of several crimes, including assault with a deadly weapon and additional warrants, with bail set at $250,000. The victim also received an emergency protective order.

By Bay City News Service

Photo courtesy Petaluma Police Department