Petaluma man arrested for alleged lewd acts outside movie theater

The 50-year-old suspect was already on probation when he was taken into custody on Valentine's Day

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Petaluma police arrested a 50-year-old local man on Valentine's Day morning after receiving reports that he was exposing himself and committing a lewd act outside the Boulevard Cinema. The suspect, who was already on probation, was booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility.

Why it matters

This incident highlights ongoing concerns about public safety and indecent behavior in Petaluma's commercial areas, especially near popular entertainment venues like movie theaters. The suspect's prior probation status also raises questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing repeat offenses.

The details

According to police, the 50-year-old man was allegedly engaging in lewd acts outside the Boulevard Cinema on Valentine's Day morning. Officers responded to the scene and took the suspect into custody. He was already on probation for prior offenses at the time of the incident.

  • The incident occurred on Valentine's Day morning, February 14, 2026.

The players

Petaluma Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the reported incident and arrested the suspect.

Boulevard Cinema

The movie theater where the alleged lewd acts took place.

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What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow the suspect out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights ongoing concerns in the Petaluma community about repeat offenders and the need for effective measures to address public indecency and ensure the safety of residents and visitors, especially in high-traffic commercial areas.