Supposed Spear-Carrying Suspect Runs From Cops, Jumps In River

PETALUMA, CA – After a foot chase and a jump in the river, a 34-year-old man was arrested Thursday morning on Lynch Creek Trail in Petaluma as police were investigating a report of two individuals allegedly armed with a knife and a spear, officials said today.

Officers were called at 11 a.m. to Lynch Creek Trail and North McDowell Boulevard after being notified of one man allegedly throwing a knife in the ground and another carrying what appeared to be a makeshift spear, the Petaluma Police Department.

While checking out the area on foot along the trail at the Highway 101 undercrossing, police spotted two individuals, with one matching the description of the reported spear-carrier, the department said.

The man, later identified as Ronald Stamp of Petaluma, allegedly took off running as officers approached and "appeared to discard an unknown item along the trail causing the pursuing officer to believe he was attempting to discard evidence or contraband," police said.

The department said Stamp ignored commands to stop, ran on Lynch Creek Trail toward Payran Street, and jumped into the Petaluma River in an attempt to swim across toward Jess Avenue. Officers responded to that area, and Stamp was taken into custody.

"Stamp denied discarding any contraband as he fled," the department said. "Stamp also denied possessing any weapons and stated he had not be in possession of a spear, but rather a tent pole.

No contraband items were found after a search of the area, however, a records check showed Stamp had an outstanding felony warrant for a prior weapons violation.

Stamp was transported to Sonoma County Jail and booked for the warrant and suspicion of resisting a peace offer, police said, adding that officers will continue to actively patrol the Lynch Creek Trail and Petaluma River areas and encourage community members to report suspicious activity.

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--Image via Petaluma PD