Archive

Transient Attacked - Assault with a Deadly Weapon

October 12th, 2012

PRESS RELEASE

Assault with a Deadly Weapon

On 10/11/2012 at about 7:40 PM, the Ukiah Police Department responded to Talmage Road and Hwy 101, for a concerned citizen standing in the roadway, yelling for police assistance.

Officers responded, and the citizen directed the officers to a field just south of the Talmage Road and HWY 101 intersection. There, they found a male and female transient. The female transient, (from Colorado Springs, CO), was crying and kneeling over the male transient, (hometown unknown). The male transient appeared to have been violently assaulted.

The male transient was breathing, but unconscious. His head and hair were completely covered in blood. The male had large wounds to his face, and large deep dog bites and lacerations to his arm. The male was treated by Ukiah Fire Paramedics and transported to UVMC. Currently, the male is awaiting surgery to repair significant damage to his face and arm.  

Near the scene, UPD officers located suspects, transient William Leonard  (Age 38, from New Orleans, LA) and transient Cynthia Rattey (Age 30, from Montana).  Both suspects were intoxicated at the time of their arrest.

Based on evidence at the scene, including bloody clothing and boots, and witness statements, both Leonard and Rattey were arrested for Assault with a Deadly Weapon (245a1 PC), Assault Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury (243d PC) and Criminal Conspiracy (182a1 PC) Both were booked into the Mendocino County Jail.

Through the investigation, Ukiah Police Officers determined that the male victim had been repeatedly hit and kicked in the face, and attacked on the arm by a dog. Later during the investigation, officers were able to locate the pit-bull dog involved in the attack, and the dog was taken to the Animal Shelter.

Anyone who observed, or has information about this investigation is asked to contact the Ukiah Police Department Detective Bureau at (707) 463-6262. Further information about this incident can be obtained from Ukiah Police Chief Chris Dewey at (707) 463-6262.

By: Chief of Police – Chris Dewey            END