Petaluma Shoplifter Who Hid in Creek is Spotted By Police, Arrested

PETALUMA, CA -- A man who allegedly stole from a department store in Petaluma has been arrested after he led officers on a chase that ended when he was found completely submerged in a creek, police said.

The incident began at 3:30 p.m. on Jan. 18, when officers responded to the Kohl's store at 1363 N. McDowell Blvd. in Petaluma where loss prevention officers attempted to detain a shoplifter before he escaped.

According to police, the suspect fled the store on foot and headed toward a rural field. Police officers arrived on the scene and attempted to contact the suspect, who continued to flee.

Officers pursued the suspect south on Redwood Way along railroad tracks, then to Corona Boulevard. There, officers lost sight of the suspect in a heavily wooded area around a creek, police said.

With the help of a K-9 unit, officers eventually located the suspect, who was hiding completely submerged in the water of the creek. He was removed and taken into custody without further incident, police said.

The suspect was later identified as Shane Stieper, 32, of Sonoma.

Stieper was found to be on three separate probations for narcotic-related offenses. He was booked into Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of resisting and obstructing a peace officer, commercial burglary, and
violation of probation, police said.

Bay City News contributed to this report/Image via Petaluma Police