Deputies arrested a man who crashed a pickup and then attacked a passerby who offered to help him. On June 19 at approximately 2:40 AM, deputies were dispatched to the 21000 block of Broadway in Sonoma when a caller reported the crash and said he had been attacked. CHP also arrived to investigate the crash.
While driving home from work, the victim saw a pickup truck in a ditch and asked the driver if he needed any help. The driver ran towards the victim and raised a hammer or similar tool as he approached him. The victim began driving away and the suspect hit the victim’s back door on the driver’s side with the tool. The suspect, later identified as Wayne Fortier, 37 years old and transient, left the scene on foot. Deputies searched the area but were not able to immediately find him.
Later that morning around 7:40 AM, residents in the 100 block of Specht Road called the Sheriff’s Office to report a man running in their vineyard wearing only underwear. A deputy arrived and saw Fortier running south of their house. While several deputies drove towards him, another resident reported the suspect was in the front yard of a house in the 200 block of Watmaugh Road. Deputies took Fortier into custody without incident. He had small scrapes on his arms and legs and seemed confused and paranoid. Sonoma Valley Fire arrived to give him medical treatment and took Fortier to the hospital at his request. While at the hospital, Fortier tested positive for methamphetamine.
Fortier was booked into jail and charged with felony assault with a deadly weapon and misdemeanor under the influence of a controlled substance. He is currently in jail and being held on $30,000 bail.
Prepared by: Misti D. Wood, Community Engagement Liaison
Case number: 190619-004
Media inquiries: 707-565-3941
