Dispute over dog prompts alleged assaults in Sonoma County

A drifter suspected of assaults on two men in Rio Nido and Monte Rio on Tuesday swam across the Russian River to escape arrest and eluded authorities for several hours before a Sonoma County sheriff’s deputy found him hiding in a densely wooded neighborhood near the Northwood Golf Club, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Jacob Haynes, 31, was involved in a dispute over ownership of a dog whose owner had died when a Forestville man went to Rio Nido to recover the animal, sheriff’s Sgt. Spencer Crum said.

When the 40-year-old man got out of his car, Haynes, known to the victim only as “Shorty,” punched him several times in the face, causing the victim to flee, Crum said.

Deputies went to a Monte Rio home where they thought Haynes might be, but he ran as soon as he saw them, Crum said.

They then learned from the resident, a 58-year-old man, that Haynes had turned up with a claw hammer in his waistband that he swung at the man, hitting him in the forearm. Haynes then reportedly picked up a 5-gallon propane tank and threw it at the man, hitting him in the arm again, Crum said.

Haynes reportedly swam across the river to escape deputies, climbed through rugged terrain and fled.

A deputy finally found Haynes around 6 p.m. near Old Monte Rio Road and Sunny Drive.

Haynes was arrested for suspected assault with a deadly weapon, battery and resisting arrest. He was released after posting bond for $30,000 bail.