Sonoma deputy wounded in Jolly Washer incident identified, suspect to undergo mental health exam

Sonoma Police Chief Bret Sackett released the names of the three members of his department who took part in the response to Jolly Washer and 76 gas station on Sunday, May 13. At that incident, a deputy was struck by gunfire, and the suspect, 20-year-old Ryan Pritel of Sonoma, was arrested.

Pritel is currently in Sonoma County Jail on attempted murder and firearms charges. At a court appearance on Thursday, May 17, Judge Jamie Thistlethwaite ordered a full psychiatric evaluation of Pritel, following a preliminary evaluation by a court doctor, and suspended further proceedings.

The three deputies were identified as Mike Matelli, Greg Hals and Mike Schemmel. It was Deputy Matelli who was shot by the suspect, sustaining injuries to multiple locations on his body due to the fact that the suspect used a “snake-shot” round, a bullet that contains numerous pellets instead of a single bullet.

Matelli six years of experience in law enforcement; four with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and two years of prior experience at Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety. He has been released from the hospital and is recovering well.

Deputy Greg Hals has over 11 years of experience as a Deputy Sheriff with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office. Deputy Mike Schemmel is a 16-year veteran of law enforcement, including four years of experience with the Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office and 12 years with the Marin County Sheriff’s Office.

“All deputies are doing well given this traumatic situation and are currently on paid administrative leave,” said Sackett. “We have had tremendous community support and the Sheriff’s Office family appreciates all the community concern.

The doctor’s report on Pritel’s mental competence is due June 7, and a hearing is scheduled for June 13. He is still being held in Sonoma County Jail under $1 million bail.

The Santa Rosa Police Department has been assigned the role of investigating the incident. Detectives there are still seeking witnesses and are asking anyone with information to contact them at (707) 543-3590.