A 30-year-old Petaluma man, Jade Young, was arrested on August 6, 2023, after allegedly following and harassing a group of underage girls near the city's Balshaw Pedestrian Bridge, causing concern for the safety of the local community. The girls reported to the police that Young had approached them and made multiple sexual comments, leading them to flee in an attempt to escape his pursuit via a Petaluma PD Release.

However, Young persisted in his pursuit, causing the frightened girls to call the police when they reached the intersection of East Washington and Baylis streets, less than half a mile from the bridge. It was reported that the suspect was last seen hiding in the bushes in the parking lot of Auto Zone and was touching his groin area while concealed. Upon arrival, the officers discovered Young still engaged in his suspicious behavior, and he was immediately detained.

Subsequent investigations revealed that Young was already on probation for a misdemeanor conviction, having pleaded no contest to making a criminal threat and obstructing a police officer. His actions towards the girls were construed as a violation of probation and annoying a child under 18, with the root of the action being rooted in a sexual interest. He was then arrested on suspicion of felony annoying a child younger than 18 and for violation of probation.

Young was booked in the Sonoma County Jail with a bail set at $20,000, but later increased to $21,000 as reported by Patch. 

The Petaluma Police Department has urged anyone with additional information about Young or similar incidents to come forward and aid in the ongoing investigation in order to prevent further instances of harassment and ensuring public safety.