Novato Man Accused In Standoff At Petaluma Barber Shop

PETALUMA, CA — A Novato man is accused in an hours-long standoff with police Wednesday in Petaluma. The suspect, identified by Petaluma PD as Michael Globe, 46, is accused of barricading himself inside Mike's Barber Shop, 741 Western Ave., in Petaluma.

The police activity briefly forced the lockdown of Petaluma High School, Petaluma Junior High School and Valley Vista Elementary School Wednesday afternoon. The lockdowns were lifted as of 12:45 p.m. and all students were safe, according to the school district.

Petaluma officers went to the barber shop shortly before 10 a.m. on a tip from Novato police that Globe may be there. Globe was wanted in a suspected felony domestic violence incident earlier Wednesday in Novato, Petaluma police said in a news release.

Petaluma police were told Globe may have guns in his car, which officers found parked outside the business.

At 10:05 a.m., Globe came out of the business and officers tried to take him into custody but he went back inside, police said.

Globe was inside the business alone and began to barricade the front door with furniture, police said.

When trained negotiators with the Petaluma Police Department made contact with Globe, he was despondent, appeared to be drinking alcohol and was threatening to take prescription pills, police said.

Police set up a perimeter around the barber shop and asked surrounding businesses and residents, as well as students at the schools, to shelter in place.

Some residents who live close to the barber shop were asked to evacuate, and police blocked surrounding roadways.

Petaluma Fire Department responded in case medical assistance was needed.

At 10:34 a.m., with Globe still barricaded inside the business, Petaluma PD's Crisis Response Unit was called out, police said.

Negotiations continued for about two hours.

"Suspect Globe would occasionally open the front door or look outside the front window," police officials said. "On more than one occasion Suspect Globe would display a knife or razor and threaten to harm himself."

At 12:40 p.m. Globe opened the front door, so police said they decided to send in a K-9 and deploy a less-than-lethal projectile.

Neither method was immediately effective and it appeared Globe was still drinking alcohol and may possibly have also taken some prescription medications, police said.

At 12:50 p.m., after Globe was seen lying down, SWAT officers went into the barber shop and took him into custody without further incident.

Police said Globe was taken by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment of a bruise to his upper shoulder from the less-lethal projectile, and to be medically evaluated for possible alcohol and medication intoxication.

Once Globe is released from the hospital, Petaluma police say they plan to arrest him on suspicion of felony domestic violence as well as charges related to the standoff.

Patch breaking news editor Nick Garber contributed to this report.