A swift response by the Petaluma Police Department led to the arrest of a female suspect involved in an attempted vehicle theft and robbery near O’Reilly Auto Parts on 361 E. Washington Street. The incident unfolded on February 5th, 2024, when a witness reported the criminal activity to law enforcement.
According to the witness, Krystle Hogan, a 41-year-old resident of Clearlake, attempted to steal a vehicle belonging to a seventy-four-year-old male from Sebastopol, police said. The victim, who was walking to his car, was approached by Hogan, who requested a ride. When the victim declined, an altercation ensued, with Hogan assaulting the elderly man and attempting to forcibly take control of the vehicle, police added.
Petaluma Police officers quickly responded to the scene and located Hogan near the entrance to CVS, detaining her without further incident. The victim, despite the physical altercation, remained uninjured during the confrontation.
Further investigation revealed that Hogan, frustrated by her failed attempt to start the victim’s vehicle, brandished a screwdriver in a threatening manner, police said. In an attempt to thwart any emergency response, she forcibly took the victim’s cellphone when he tried to call 911. Hogan’s actions resulted in a comprehensive list of charges.