originally published at: http://www.pressdemocrat.com/article/20091223/NEWS/912239997/1349?Title=Fourth-Street-closed-due-to-brawl-at-downtown-SR-club
Fourth Street closed as brawl at downtown Santa Rosa club escalates
By MARY CALLAHAN
THE PRESS DEMOCRAT
Published: Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 7:43 a.m.
A Rohnert Park man who was among an estimated 80 people involved in a fight at a downtown Santa Rosa bar late Tuesday night was arrested for suspected assault on a police officer after he allegedly head-butted one.
Jesse James Crowder, 24, bailed out of the Sonoma County Jail early Wednesday after posting bond for $5,000 bail, jail personnel said.
Police said Crowder punched an officer in the chest after multiple police were called to try to break up the melee at the Cantina Bar and Restaurant on Fourth Street, then head-butted another officer.
Crowder is the same man who suffered serious injuries in a Sept. 10 vehicle crash on Stony Point Road that resulted in the death of his mother, Alma Crowder, 42.
Jesse Crowder’s brother, Ryan Crowder, 22, was driving the minivan in which his other family members were riding.
Ryan Crowder was severely injured in the collision, but later was charged with vehicular manslaughter in the case. Authorities say he had cocaine and methamphetamine in his system at the time of the crash, and was driving with a suspended license.
Santa Rosa Police say his brother, Jesse, was in a large group of people at the Cantina shortly before midnight Tuesday when multiple people – including club security – called for law enforcement assistance because of huge fight they estimated involved 80 people.
Those fighting in the upstairs portion of the club included Jesse Crowder, who resisted efforts to break it up, police said.
Authorities described the crowd as “hostile and belligerent” and said a police dog was called to assist with crowd control. A block of Fourth Street was closed to allow for dispersal of the crowd.
Crowder eventually was subdued and was arrested for alleged fighting in public and two counts of assault on an officer, police said.