PETALUMA, CA — A Petaluma man was arrested Saturday afternoon on suspicion of indecent exposure after witnesses reported that he exposed himself to children at a bounce house during the city’s Butter and Egg Days Festival.
The incident took place shortly after 3:40 p.m. at the intersection of 2nd and C streets, when two separate 911 callers alerted authorities to the troubling situation. The witnesses stated that 48-year-old Damien Hansen exposed his genitalia to several children who were near the inflatable play structure.
As officers responded to the scene, a witness flagged down law enforcement and identified Hansen, who was quickly apprehended. Following an investigation into the allegations, Hansen was arrested and booked into Sonoma County Jail on charges of indecent exposure and annoying or molesting a child. Jail records indicated that Hansen was no longer in custody by Tuesday morning.
In a statement to the public, Petaluma Police Lt. Zilverio Rivera acknowledged that this was the second case in recent weeks in which a suspect had been charged with “annoying or molesting a child.” Rivera clarified that the charge encompasses a broad range of behaviors intended to disturb, harm, or improperly influence a minor, such as inappropriate touching, suggestive comments, or, in this case, exposing oneself to a child.
“We want to extend our sincere gratitude to the community members who took the time to report suspicious activity and criminal behavior in our neighborhoods,” Lt. Rivera said. “By speaking up, you help us respond quickly, gather valuable information, and prevent further harm.”
The Butter and Egg Days Festival, which attracts numerous families and children to the downtown area each year, continued without further incident following the arrest.
Authorities are continuing their investigation into the matter, and they encourage anyone with additional information to come forward.