Deputies Seeking Caretaker Suspected Of Assaulting Man, 97, In Sonoma County

A caretaker is suspected of assaulting a 97-year-old man at his Graton-area home in west Sonoma County early this morning, a Sonoma County sheriff’s lieutenant said.

Filimoni Raiyawa, 57, is believed to have fled the victim’s residence in a vehicle and should be considered dangerous, Lt. Carlos Basurto said. Someone at the residence in the 13000 block of Dupont Road called for an ambulance around 5 a.m. regarding a reported fall victim, Basurto said.

Medical responders said the victim’s injuries were suspicious and not consistent with a fall, and sheriff’s deputies determined the victim was badly beaten with an unknown object, Basurto said.

The victim suffered serious head injuries and was taken to a hospital. Raiyawa, who lived on the property, is 6 feet tall with a large build, Basurto said. He was last seen driving a light blue Honda Odyssey van with California plate No. 3VWY823, Basurto said.

Anyone with information is asked to call sheriff’s detective Jayson Fowler at (707 565-2185.

--Bay City News