Man Accused Of Making Criminal Threats In Gas Station Dispute: PD

PETALUMA, CA — A Petaluma man was arrested Monday on suspicion of making criminal threats toward a woman Saturday at a local gas station, police said.

Officers responded shortly before 2 p.m. Saturday to a gas station in the 500 block of East Washington Street where a woman reported she was involved in a dispute with a man over gas, Petaluma police Sgt. Ryan DeBaeke said.

"During the incident, the male made several threats toward the victim stating he would find her and kill her causing her to fear for her life," DeBaeke said.

The victim provided cell phone video of the man and officers were able to identify him as Richard Crandall, 68, of Petaluma, the sergeant said.

"Crandall is currently on felony pretrial release for a prior crime of violence involving a firearm," DeBaeke said. "Crandall has several terms associated with his pretrial release that he must abide by. Such terms include warrantless search and seizure of residence and that he is prohibited from possessing weapons and ammunition to name a few."

Crandall was taken into custody Monday morning in front of his residence.

"A subsequent search of Crandall’s residence produced a Tomahawk style ax, a short-bladed sword, several rounds of various ammunition and drug paraphernalia," DeBaeke said."In addition to the charge of criminal threats, Crandall was charged with violating the terms of his pretrial release. He was later booked at the Sonoma County Jail."

Crandall remained behind bars Tuesday in lieu of $61,000 bail pending a court appearance set for Wednesday afternoon, jail records showed.