Sheriff’s Deputies took a Santa Rosa woman into custody after defusing a violent confrontation yesterday. The incident began at about 2:30 PM when a person who lives in the 7600 block of Tarwater Rd in Santa Rosa complained that their neighbor, 53-year-old Wendy Griggs was acting strange by yelling at cars as they passed on the roadway and was swearing loudly.
The responding deputy located a $25,000 arrest warrant for Griggs for failure to appear on a DUI charge and a probation violation. The deputy approached Griggs in her driveway and she initially told him she was someone else. The deputy had seen her picture on the warrant sheet and knew she was in fact the wanted person.
When the deputy confronted Griggs about her arrest warrant she started to run towards her home. The deputy grabbed Griggs by her wrist and she dropped herself to the ground in an attempt to break his hold. Griggs continued to pull away and dug her fingernails into the deputy’s hand. She then brought her head down and bit the deputy’s hand. Griggs broke free and the deputy grabbed her by the elbows at which point she punched the deputy in his chest.
Griggs was able to get free again, this time grabbing a broom which she pointed the handle at the deputy, holding it as a weapon in a threatening manner. Other deputies responded to the call and tried verbal de-escalation techniques. Grigg’s son also arrived during the confrontation and tried to calm her down verbally. Griggs eventually dropped the broom after an approximate 30 minute standoff. Due to the verbal deescalating techniques deputies used, they were able to take her into custody without further violence.
Griggs was ultimately arrested for her warrant and booked for felony obstruction of a peace officer and violation of her probation. Neither Griggs nor the deputy suffered injuries. It’s unknown if substance abuse or mental health issues contributed to her demeanor.
Prepared by: Sgt. Spencer Crum
Media Inquiries: 707-565-3941
CR 180205013
