Petaluma Police Arrest Transient Carrying Fake Gun, Pepper Spray

PETALUMA, CA — A 53-year-old transient was arrested Tuesday after a 911 call described him allegedly holding a firearm and acting aggressively in a vehicle in Steamer Landing Park in Petaluma, police said.
Michael Taylor was eventually taken into custody after a traffic stop, where he immediately complied with officers and allegedly told them he had a BB gun his possession.

Police said Taylor allegedly told them he was looking for a "suicide by cop" scenario. Officers reportedly found a replica semi-automatic air pistol, body armor and pepper spray.

Neither Taylor nor any officer were injured during the traffic stop.

He was taken into custody for a mental health evaluation.

Santa Rosa police later contacted Petaluma police to let them know he was wanted for a violent incident earlier Tuesday in Santa Rosa.

Per Sonoma County Jail records, Taylor is in custody on suspicion of domestic violence. He is being held on $30,000 bond and will be arraigned on Thursday.

By Bay City News Service

Photo via Petaluma Police Department