Deputies arrested a man early Tuesday morning after he assaulted a store clerk with a knife, physically resisted deputies, and threatened to kill them.
On Tuesday at approximately 7:20 AM, a deputy responded to Bartlett’s Market in Monte Rio for a robbery that had just happened. The suspect stole a soda and, when confronted by the store clerk, swung a knife at the clerk. The suspect, later identified as Nicholas Detwiler, 27, transient, then walked away. The clerk was not injured.
The deputy searched the area for Detwiler and soon found him running across Bohemian Highway toward River Blvd. He ignored the deputy’s command to stop and continued to run away. Another deputy arrived. They saw a pedestrian point to a thicket of blackberry bushes in the 21000 block of River Blvd. Both deputies followed Detwiler into the blackberry bushes, warning they would have to use force if he didn’t comply. They put him in handcuffs and found a folding knife on him.
While deputies were walking Detwiler to a patrol car, he threatened to kill the deputies and other people. He then physically resisted being placed in the car, causing a deputy to take him to the ground to try to control him. Given Detwiler’s assault on the clerk, resistance, and threats, deputies decided to place him in a maximum restraint cord. He continued to resist both deputies while on the ground. A Monte Rio Fire member helped control him and they were able to place him in the maximum restraint cord. While physically resisting, Detwiler threatened to kill the deputies, their families, correctional deputies, and the store clerk.
He complained of chest pain and trouble breathing and was transported to a nearby hospital for medical clearance. Detwiler was then booked into the Sonoma County Jail on felony charges of assault with a deadly weapon and threatening peace officers, and a misdemeanor charge of resisting arrest. He is being held on $30,000 bail. We appreciate the assistance from the pedestrian and the Monte Rio Fire personnel who helped us find and arrest Detwiler.
Prepared by: Misti D. Wood, Community Engagement Liaison
Case no.: 190820-003
Media inquiries: 707-565-3941
