Suspect arrested after nearly biting off man’s finger at Petaluma bar, police say

A Monterey County man was arrested Saturday night after nearly biting off another man’s finger at a Petaluma bar, police said.

Daniel Yurkovich, 34, of Pacific Grove, was arrested and booked into Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of starting a fight and biting the man around 11:45 p.m. at McNear’s Saloon and Dining House, Petaluma police said in a statement.

Yurkovich, who appeared to be intoxicated, had attracted attention with his “odd behavior” before randomly punching a man, police said. He then attacked a 32-year-old man attempting to restrain him, biting the man’s ring finger. The man was taken to a local hospital after the “near amputation” of his finger, police said.

Employees and bystanders detained Yurkovich until officers arrived.

Police weren’t able to find the first person who was attacked.

Anyone with information about the attack should call the Petaluma Police Department at 707-778-4372.

You can reach Staff Writer Hannah Beausang at 707-521-5214 or hannah.beausang@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @hannahbeausang.