Cluster Of Retail Thefts Investigated In Petaluma

PETALUMA, CA — The Petaluma Police Department responded to three separate retail thefts reported just hours apart Wednesday.

Dick's Sporting Goods Theft Ends In Arrest

The first incident was reported at 3:35 p.m. Wednesday at Dick’s Sporting Goods, 401 Kenilworth Drive. Store employees told dispatchers a man gathered $1,000 of merchandise, then left the store without paying.

Employees provided a description of the suspect's vehicle and he was located a short time later by a community service officer. A traffic stop was conducted and the driver, Evan Thomas, was detained.

Once Dick's employees positively identified Thomas in the theft, he was placed under arrest and officers searched his car. With the help of K-9 Jax, officers found stolen merchandise, burglary tools and suspected fentanyl in the car.

Thomas was later booked into Sonoma County jail on suspicion of felony grand theft, possession of fentanyl, and possession of burglary tools.

2 Sought In Wilco Farm Theft

Around 5 p.m. as officers were still booking Thomas into jail, additional Petaluma officers were sent to a felony theft that had just been reported at Wilco Farm Store, 1390 N. McDowell Blvd. The store's alarm went off which prompted employees to review the surveillance video footage. They saw two unidentified suspects exit the emergency doors with what appeared to be $3,000 of merchandise.

Officers responded and got surveillance images of the two suspects. Petaluma police asked anyone who recognizes either man pictured below to contact Officer Eduardo Estrella at 707-781-1206 or eestrella@cityofpetaluma.org.

Thief Steals $1,000 Worth Of Perfume From Kohl's

At 6:51 p.m. Wednesday as officers were wrapping up their investigation at Wilco, another felony theft was reported nearby at Kohl’s, 1360 N. McDowell Blvd. An observant customer told dispatchers an unidentified suspect loaded a backpack with perfume, then left the store without paying.

Officers responded and spoke with Kohl’s employees, who confirmed the suspect took over $1,000 of perfume. Several officers searched the area but did not find the suspect.

Police See 'Dramatic Increase' In Retail Theft

Over the past several years, the Petaluma Police Department has seen a dramatic increase in organized retail theft as legislation and voter-approved initiatives have significantly reduced the consequences for offenders who repeatedly engage in retail theft, Petaluma police Sgt. Jake Gutierrez said.

Residents are encouraged to partner with Petaluma police by contacting the Police Department when a police response is appropriate.