Petaluma Assault Suspect Sought: Cops

PETALUMA, CA — Authorities are offering a cash reward for information leading to the arrest of a wanted Sonoma County man, the Petaluma Police Department said.

Steven M. Perez is wanted on charges of assault with a deadly weapon, vehicle theft, evading police and resisting arrest, police said.

On Sunday, Perez intentionally rammed two marked police cars occupied by officers during a pursuit that started with a vehicle theft on Hopper Street, police said.

Neither officer was injured, police said. Both vehicles sustained moderate damage.

Perez rammed the officers in an apparent attempt to escape, according to police.

Perez then proceeded to drive the stolen vehicle southbound on Hopper Street and continued to the area of a nearby hotel and construction site near the Petaluma River, police said.

Officers shortly afterward located the stolen vehicle unoccupied after losing sight of the vehicle during a pursuit but were unable to locate Perez.

A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered by the Sonoma County Alliance Community Engagement and Safety Rewards Fund for information leading to the Perez’s arrest, police said.

Police are advising anyone who sees Perez not to approach him, but to call 911.

Anyone with information is about this case is asked to call Detective Jake Gutierrez at (707) 778-4532.