Burglary Suspect Tasered, Arrested In Petaluma

PETALUMA, CA — A burglary suspect was Tasered and arrested early Sunday morning as he led officers on a brief chase on foot, according to the Petaluma Police Department.

Officers feared the suspect had a gun on him because an area resident had called 911 and reported hearing three possible gunshots followed by the sound of glass breaking at the Arroyo Center at 1420 S. McDowell Blvd., Petaluma police Sgt. Jake Gutierrez said.

Several officers responded to the shopping center when the call came in shortly after 2 a.m. Sunday. They immediately found a broken window at a business within the Arroyo Center, Gutierrez said.

Shortly after officers began making announcements for anyone inside the business to exit, Yony Rodas, 23, of Petaluma, came out through the front door of the business, the sergeant said.

It is alleged that when officers gave Rodas commands to show his hands and surrender, Rodas ignored the commands and ran off through the Arroyo Center.

"Officers, fearing Rodas was armed with a firearm as the initial 911 caller stated they had heard gunshots, began chasing Rodas," Gutierrez said. "As Rodas ran through the Arroyo Center, toward a residential neighborhood, officers became fearful he would enter the neighborhood while potentially armed. An officer who was chasing Rodas deployed his Taser, which struck Rodas and immediately ended the foot pursuit."

Rodas was detained without further incident.

It is alleged that in a search of his person and belongings, officers found several burglary tools. They did not, however, find a gun, Gutierrez said.

Officers also searched the business and surrounding area but found no evidence a gun was used, the sergeant said.

Rodas was booked into Sonoma County jail on suspicion of burglary, resisting arrest and possession of burglary tools.

"The Petaluma Police Department would like to thank the vigilant residents in the area that reported the suspicious activity they were hearing, which ultimately led to the arrest of Rodas," Gutierrez said.