Petaluma PD Investigates Reports Of Officer Impersonation

PETALUMA, CA — The Petaluma Police Department asked help from the public this week regarding reports of unknown individuals allegedly impersonating police officers.

Petaluma police said on Friday that they have received phone calls from concerned citizens regarding a social media post made by a community member regarding unknown subjects who were allegedly impersonating police officers during an incident in late August.

On Aug. 30 at around 9:23 p.m., officers responded to a report of suspicious subjects knocking on the door at an apartment in the 800 block of Lakeville Circle in Petaluma. Witnesses said some of the subjects were in tactical gear and wearing Petaluma PD uniforms in the parking lot.

An officer was already in the area and was on scene in less than two minutes while the witness was still on the phone with Petaluma PD Dispatch. The initial officer on scene was unable to locate anyone in uniform in the area and met with the resident who called.

Officers also spoke with roommates and neighbors, who were unaware of the incident and had not heard or seen anyone in the area. They additionally checked the area for possible video surveillance but did not locate any, police said.

Through the extensive interviews and canvassing completed by officers, police were unable to find any independent information to substantiate the original report. However, the incident is still under investigation, police said.

Officers also reported receiving additional calls regarding a separate incident that community members believed may be associated. Police were able to contact two male subjects who were actively recruiting for a local business and were wearing identification associated with that business. After the business was researched, officers determined that the men were not involved in any criminal activity nor were they impersonating police.

Anyone with information regarding individuals impersonating police can contact the Petaluma Police Department either via 911 in an emergency or (707) 778-4372 if they see something suspicious.

Copyright © 2023 Bay City News, Inc. All rights reserved. Republication, rebroadcast or redistribution without the express written consent of Bay City News, Inc. is prohibited. Bay City News is a 24/7 news service covering the greater Bay Area.