Police: Eureka man arrested in downtown Petaluma after firing shots

A Eureka man was arrested early Wednesday in downtown Petaluma after allegedly firing an assault-type rifle, according to Petaluma police.

Around 12:15 a.m., employees of Gale’s Central Club asked 51-year-old Travis Morgan to leave the bar after he had been “acting odd” and causing a disturbance, according to the news release from the department.

As Morgan left the 106 Petaluma Blvd. North establishment, he allegedly made a comment indicating that he had guns in his car, police said.

Shortly after, a witness reportedly saw Morgan armed with an AR-15 rifle on Western Avenue near American Alley. The unidentified citizen grabbed Morgan and took his rifle before Morgan fled down American Alley, police said.

Officers patrolling the area tracked Morgan down near 24 Hour Fitness at 6 Petaluma Blvd. North and took him into custody without incident, according to police.

After Morgan was arrested, police heard reports that he had fired the rifle downtown. Officers later located two casings matching the AR-15 rifle near a Ford F-150 pickup truck Morgan was believed to be associated with, according to the news release.

The gun was from Santa Rosa and officers are attempting to find out if the firearm was recently stolen.

It was unclear what Morgan’s target was, but no damage was found, police said.

Officers determined that Morgan is currently on post release community supervision for being in possession of stolen property. He was booked into Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of being a felon in possession of a firearm, police said.

(Contact Hannah Beausang at hannah.beausang@arguscourier.com)