PETALUMA, Calif. (KRON) – A woman who falsely claimed to be affiliated with the federal government is facing multiple felony charges after attempting to rob a gas station in Petaluma, according to authorities.
The incident occurred around 11:45 p.m. on April 30 at the 76 gas station on McDowell Boulevard. The employee on duty reported to the Petaluma Police Department that a woman entered the station, asked for a bag, and then demanded cash. During the confrontation, she reportedly claimed she was “with the federal government.”
The employee refused to comply, and the suspect allegedly threatened to return. Using the description provided, officers quickly canvassed the area and located the suspect.
The woman was later identified as 34-year-old Holly Newton during an in-field lineup. She was arrested and booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility on charges of attempted robbery and violating the terms of her pretrial release, both felony and misdemeanor offenses.
Police have not indicated whether Newton was armed or if any further threats were made. The investigation is ongoing.
