Using Drumstick, Transient Stabs Man In Eye, Petaluma Police Say

PETALUMA, CA — Police arrested a transient early Wednesday in downtown Petaluma for allegedly stabbing an elderly man in the eye with a wooden drumstick in an "unprovoked attack," leaving the victim severely injured, officials with the Petaluma Police Department said. At 2:33 a.m. Wednesday, officers were dispatched to several reports of a disturbance at Washington Street and Petaluma Boulevard North, in the parking lot of Bank of America, PPD Sgt. Paul Gilman said in a news release.

"As officers arrived in the area, they observed Jessie Aaron Chamberlin straddling an elderly male who was on the ground," Gilman said.

The officers allegedly witnessed Chamberlin holding the drumstick in both hands and believe he used it to stab the victim, a 68-year-old Petaluma resident, in his right eye socket.

Chamberlin was ordered to the ground at gunpoint, then taken into custody without further incident, Gilman said.

Petaluma Fire Department personnel responded to the scene and took the victim to a local trauma center for treatment of severe injuries to his eyes and face, Gilman said.

After Chamberlin was interviewed by Petaluma police detectives, he was booked into Sonoma County jail on suspicion of mayhem and felony elder abuse causing injury.

Petaluma police have had no previous interactions with Chamberlin and believe the 32-year-old recently arrived in the city.

"He is transient with ties to Colorado," Gilman said. "Based on evidence and statements provided, this appears to be an unprovoked attack on the victim."

It appeared Wednesday afternoon that Chamberlin may have already been released from custody, as his booking information did not come up in a search of Sonoma County jail records.

The incident remained under investigation Wednesday; any additional witnesses were encouraged to contact the Petaluma Police Department Investigations Unit at 707-778-4415.

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