Arrest Made In Brush Fire At Petaluma River Park, Police Say

PETALUMA, CA — Police announced an arrest in connection with a vegetation fire earlier this week at the Petaluma River Park on the Steamer Landing peninsula.

The wildfire was reported at 2:20 p.m. Wednesday and burned an estimated 2 acres.

While the Petaluma Fire Department worked to extinguish the blaze, officers from the Petaluma Police Department detained a suspect who was reportedly seen leaving the area where the fire started.

A witness positively identified the suspect, Petaluma police Lt. Tim Lyons said.

Gary Dobshinsky, a 50-year-old transient, was arrested on suspicion of recklessly causing the fire, Lyons said.

Dobshinsky had an outstanding felony warrant for his arrest and was also found in possession of drug paraphernalia, the lieutenant said.

Jail records showed Dobshinsky, who was also on probation at the time of his arrest, remained in custody Friday with his bail set at $20,000.

"We wish to thank the witness for reporting the fire promptly and for Petaluma FD’s quick response," Lyons said.

The fire was contained within approximately 25 minutes. There were no injuries and no structures were damaged.

The Petaluma River Park Foundation is working to transform the peninsula into a 24-acre public park in the heart of Petaluma. The park is currently open during daytime hours.

Police asked anyone who sees any suspicious behavior in the park to call Petaluma PD at 707-778-4326.