Pair Caught With Stolen Car In Petaluma Neighborhood: Police

PETALUMA, CA — Two people were arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft when a car stolen out of San Rafael caught the attention of police Thursday night in Petaluma.

Officers were alerted to the car shortly after 9 p.m. when a community member in the 1200 block of Santa Ines Way called the Petaluma Police Department and reported that an unoccupied vehicle was parked in front of their residence with the engine running, police Sgt. Ryan Suhrke said.

After determining the car was reported stolen out of San Rafael, officers waited for the potential suspects to return. Officers also tried to contact the owner of the car but were not able to so they had the car towed for safekeeping, Suhrke said.

Officers searched the neighborhood just off Lakeville Highway and spoke with several residents. The evidence led officers to a residence on Santa Ines Way where they detained two people.

It is alleged that Tania Sanchez-Soto, 24, of Santa Rosa, and Enrique Galica-Torres, 21, of Santa Rosa, had evidence with them that linked them to the stolen vehicle.

Officers also found suspected drugs and drug paraphernalia on them, Suhrke said.

Tania Sanchez-Soto was arrested and booked into Sonoma County jail on suspicion of vehicle theft, conspiracy, obstructing a police officer, and possession of stolen property.

Enrique Galica-Torres was arrested and booked into Sonoma County jail on suspicion of vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, violation of probation, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

"The Petaluma Police Department would like to thank the various community members that assisted with the investigation that ultimately lead to the arrest of both suspects," Suhrke said.