Man Accused Of Indecent Exposure In Petaluma

PETALUMA, CA — A Washington man was arrested on suspicion of indecent exposure Sunday in Petaluma, police said.

Around 4:45 p.m. Sunday, officers with the Petaluma Police Department responded to a report that a man had just exposed himself to a 16-year-old near the "pipe bridge" off Water Street, Petaluma police Lt. Nick McGowan said.

"After revealing himself, the suspect grabbed the victim’s hand and forced it onto his exposed genitalia," McGowan said. "The victim fled and reported the incident to an adult friend."

Officers found a man near the bridge who matched the description provided by the victim.

When officers spoke with 42-year-old Washington resident Bushara Gomatallah, they confirmed he was the person reported by the victim, the sergeant said.

"Additionally, the victim positively identified Gomatallah as the individual that exposed himself," McGowan said.

Gomatallah was booked into Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of indecent exposure, assault and battery, and child endangerment.

Gomatallah remained behind bars Monday morning in lieu of $10,000 bail pending a court appearance Tuesday afternoon, according to jail records.

"The Petaluma Police Department is inquiring if anyone witnessed the incident," McGowan said. Please report any additional information to the Petaluma Police Department at 707-778-4372 or ppdtips@cityofpetaluma.org."