Full Notification

On December 10, 2025, the Petaluma Police Department received an online report documenting a hate-related vandalism incident that had occurred earlier in the month. The report indicated that between December 1, 2025, and December 9, 2025, a victim’s vehicle had been defaced with racial slurs, Nazi symbols, and other drawings while parked in a public parking garage in Petaluma’s downtown district. This incident was reported to several local and regional media outlets as well as social media.
 
Officers initiated a thorough investigation and obtained surveillance footage from the parking garage. After reviewing more than a week of video evidence, officers were able to positively identify the suspect as 20-year-old Petaluma resident, Corey Newman.
 
Based on the investigation, officers obtained an arrest warrant for Newman. On December 24, 2025, officers located Newman during a traffic stop and took him into custody without incident. He was subsequently booked into the Sonoma County Jail on the following charges:
 

• 594(a)(1) Penal Code – Vandalism: Defacing Property
• 422.6(b) Penal Code – Commission of a Hate Crime

 
The Petaluma Police Department takes all hate-related incidents seriously and remains fully committed to conducting thorough and impartial investigations. Crimes motivated by bias have a profound impact not only on those directly affected, but also on the sense of safety and well-being of the entire community.
 
We would like to thank the victim and community members for their patience and cooperation throughout this investigation.
 
Anyone with additional information related to this incident is encouraged to contact the Petaluma Police Department.
 
Media Inquiries should be directed to Lieutenant Zilverio Rivera (707)781-1277.