Stolen Items Found in Homeless Encampment, Parolee Arrested

A homeless Petaluma man was arrested Saturday, six days after police say they found stolen property in his encampment.

On July 27, a resident called police to report his or her home on Cinnabar Avenue had been burglarized, saying several unique antiques were stolen.

The home "backs up to several open fields and is an area heavily traveled by transients," Petaluma Police said in a press release.

The next day, police searched the fields behind the home and found numerous homeless encampments near the railroad tracks.

"While checking the encampments, officers located a large portion of the property stolen the night prior from the burglary," the press release states. "Also located was several items of evidence, leading officers to believe the camp belonged to parolee Harold Powell."

Officers were unable to find the 50-year-old Powell that day, but returned Saturday, Aug. 3, and spotted him near the trestle bridge west of Highway 101.

"Powell saw the officers and fled," police said. "When Powell realized K-9 'Jimmy' would be deployed if he continued to flee, he immediately stopped and gave up."

Petaluma Police say Powell is on parole in Sonoma County for charges of possessing stolen property. He was arrested and taken to Sonoma County Jail, where he is being held without bail "due to his parole status and outstanding warrant," police said.