Santa Rosa Man Arrested After Alleged Fight With Officer

SANTA ROSA - A Santa Rosa man who allegedly slapped his girlfriend and stole her cell phone was arrested a short time later for a separate felony after he fought with a police officer.

Santa Rosa police say an officer was waved down by a citizen in front of the Roxy Theatre Thursday just after 1:00 p.m. The resident told the officer that a woman across the street had just been assaulted by a man.

Police say the officer located the alleged victim, who said that her boyfriend, identified as 21-yr-old Jason Laqua, had slapped her and grabbed her cell phone.

According to police, Laqua was seen on Santa Rosa Avenue, just across from the Roxy.

Santa Rosa police say the officer tried to contact the suspect, and gave him verbal commands to stop, but Laqua continued to walk away.

According to authorities, the officer made an attempt to grab Laqua as they walked westbound across Santa Rosa Avenue.

Police say the man turned toward the officer and forcefully shoved him, and they ended up in a fight on the ground.

Santa Rosa police say in the melee, the suspect violently resisted arrest and attempted to kick the officer multiple times.

The officer was able to radio for emergency backup shortly before his radio was dislodged in the fight and fell to the ground.

Police say a good citizen came to the aid of the officer and was able to help detain Laqua until backup units arrived.

Eventually, police say, Laqua was taken into custody in the middle of Santa Rosa Avenue.

Jason Laqua, a Santa Rosa resident, was arrested on the following charges and booked into the Sonoma County Jail:

• 69 PC Felony Obstruction of a Law Enforcement Officer
• 211 PC Robbery
• 243(e)(1) PC Misdemeanor Domestic Battery

-image via Santa Rosa police