Petaluma Man Booked For Alleged Car Burglary, Assault

PETALUMA, CA — A cellphone left behind by a Petaluma car burglary and assault suspect helped police locate and arrest him, police say. The incident involving suspect Jason Bryson, 47, of Petaluma was first reported at about 8:20 p.m. Monday in the 1300 block of Scott Street, Petaluma police said in a statement. Officers were dispatched to Scott Street and spoke to the victim, who told police he had witnessed someone breaking into his vehicle and had approached the person.

The victim told police that upon being confronted, the suspect headed to a nearby vehicle. The victim followed, at which time the suspect allegedly threatened to kill him, police said.

The victim was trying to retrieve his belongings from the suspect's vehicle when the confrontation became physical, police said.

The suspect allegedly struck the victim, pushed him out of the car and then hit the victim with his vehicle as he drove off, police said.

Responding officers determined that a cellphone left at the scene belonged to Bryson.

Officers checked the area and soon found Bryson and his vehicle in the 1700 block of Rainer Avenue. He was detained without incident, police said.

After the victim positively identified Bryson as the suspect, Bryson was arrested and booked into Sonoma County jail on suspicion of robbery, making criminal threats and assault with a deadly weapon, police said.

Wednesday morning, jail records indicated Bryson was no longer in custody.