Yoga Bandit Captured: Multiple Heists, Including Berkeley

BERKELEY, CA — A man suspected of targeting yoga studios around the Bay Area — snatching personal belongings, cash and bank cards — has been captured, it was announced.

Christopher Damon Newton, 26, of Oakland had five felony warrants for his arrest involving thefts at yoga studios, including Berkeley, Walnut Creek, Livermore, Belmont, and Monterey County.

Wednesday the Roseville Police Department announced Newton's Dec. 4 arrest and said he is suspected of entering a yoga studio in that city, acting as if he wanted to take a class, and then stealing from patrons. The alleged crime took place at a studio located in the 1200 block of Baseline Road, Roseville police said.

Law enforcement officials across the Bay Area, including Berkeley, were searching for Newton, who was accused of similar crimes. He used the ill-gotten cash and credit cards to make purchases around the region, according to Roseville police.

Newton is being held in a Placer County jail on several burglary charges. According to jail records, he is ineligible for bail.

— Patch editors Toni McAllister and Bea Karnes contributed to this story

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