Photo: scenes from the incident
Originally published as a Petaluma Police Department Facebook post –
“Yesterday afternoon we assisted Cotati PD and Sonoma County Sheriff’s Department with the search and apprehension of suspects involved in an armed robbery and vehicle pursuit that ended within the city of Petaluma. After a lengthy search two suspects were arrested without incident and a firearm was recovered. Those two suspect were identified by Cotati PD as Julius Hedgeman, 19, of Alameda and Tahjay WIlliams, 21, of Oakland.
We appreciate the assistance and patience of those community members impacted by our shelter in place notifications during this incident.
See Cotati PD’s post below for further info regarding this incident.
On Sunday, November 28th, 2021, at approximately 3:08 PM, Cotati police officers were dispatched to an armed robbery that had just occurred. The victim reported that approximately 4 subjects, one armed with a handgun, held the victim at gunpoint in the parking lot of a business on Wilford Ln. Items were stolen from the victim, including money, Bluetooth speaker, cell phone, and jewelry. The victim was not injured during the robbery.
The suspects fled the scene in a Ford Mustang; Cotati Police Officers located a similar vehicle and attempted to conduct an enforcement stop, however, a vehicle pursuit ensued. After a brief pursuit into the City of Petaluma, the vehicle lost control due to a mechanical failure; the occupants fled on foot.
With the assistance of Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office, Petaluma Police Department, and the California Highway Patrol, A search of the area took place for several hours. Eventually, two of the suspects were located and surrendered without incident. During a search of the suspect vehicle, a loaded handgun and the stolen Bluetooth speaker were located inside.
The case is under investigation for the remaining outstanding suspects. The two suspects were booked into county jail for armed robbery, Conspiracy, Child Endangerment, and resisting arrest. Bail was set at $200,000 for both suspects. Further charges are anticipated as the investigation continues. If you have any knowledge of this crime, please contact Police Corporal Brian Deaton who is assigned this investigation.”
