A trespassing man ran away from deputies and fought four peace officers before being arrested Sunday evening.
At approximately 4:40 PM yesterday, we received a call that a man had set up camp on private property without permission in the 6700 block of Palm Avenue in Sebastopol. A deputy approached the man, later identified as Samuel Tobin, a 32-year-old homeless man from Lake County. Tobin was crouched down with his back to the deputy and would not come towards the deputy when asked.
Tobin suddenly ran away from the deputy, heading east through a marshy field. They deputy chased him approximately 200 yards before he slowed and started entering a creek. Tobin had his back to the deputy with his arms in front of his body and would not follow orders. Concerned that Tobin may have a weapon, the deputy used his Taser, but it had no effect. Tobin swam across the creek and continued running.
Henry 1 helped search for Tobin from the air. The deputy crossed the creek at a safer location and found the victim holding on to Tobin as he tried to cross another creek. They pulled Tobin out of the creek and he continued to fight by hiding his hands under his body and rolling around. Another deputy and two Sebastopol Police Officers arrived to help. Tobin fought with all four peace officers for up to a minute, refusing to be handcuffed. A Sebastopol Police Officer used his Taser to help subdue Tobin, who was handcuffed shortly thereafter.
Tobin was treated by an ambulance crew at the scene, taken to the hospital for medical clearance, and booked into jail that night. He was arrested for misdemeanor trespassing and resisting arrest. He is being held on $2,500 bail.
We appreciate the assistance from the victim and we encourage community members to always keep their safety as a first priority.
Prepared by: Misti D. Harris, Community Engagement Liaison
Case no: 181230-016
Media inquiries: 707-565-3941
