Homeless Camps Overwhelming Petaluma Police

Petaluma police say homeless encampments have become a bigger problem in the small city than they have been in 20 years.

In a recent police survey, officers found 34 active illegal encampments in the city, and police said these encampments pose a threat to public health and safety and the environment.

Police said the encampments are a haven for illegal activity, including violations related to narcotics, alcohol, weapons, stolen property, sexual assault, theft and vandalism.

Police also said the human waste and garbage at the camps ends up in creeks and streams, creating a health hazard for humans and wildlife.

The camps are threatening the work of the United Anglers of Casa Grande High School, who are working to save the native and endangered steelhead trout.

Police said the problem is difficult for the department to handle because most of its officers’ time must be spent handling daily calls for service. The department is deploying officers on an overtime basis to address the problem and has applied for a grant to hire a full-time officer to find solutions to the issue.

Police made several arrests Wednesday, including one near Schollenberger Park where the homeless had previously set booby traps for people who might enter the camp, according to police.

Officers arrested 28-year-old Ervin Osman from Spokane, Washington, on active warrants and found him to be in the possession of a stolen bicycle.

The $1,300 Cannondale bike had been stolen from a store on English Street in Petaluma. Police reunited the bike with its owner and Osman was booked into the county jail.

--Bay City News

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