'Don't Call Police,' Yells Suspect In Botched Petaluma Burglaries

PETALUMA, CA — Police are hoping someone in the public may recognize a man suspected in a burglary and an attempted burglary early Tuesday in a Petaluma neighborhood. The first incident happened at 5:49 a.m. Tuesday when the unidentified man tried to enter a home on Spanish Bay Court via the front door, police said in a news release. In a surveillance image from the home's security cameras, the alleged prowler appeared to be a slender white man between 20 and 30 years old who was wearing a dark-colored baseball cap and light-colored clothing. The suspect also appeared to be holding something in his right hand, police said.

The second incident was reported about 30 minutes later — at 6:23 a.m. — when a resident of nearby Silverado Circle called 911. The caller told dispatchers someone turned on a garden hose in their backyard, which caught their attention. The suspect used an exterior door to enter the garage, then an interior door to enter the home — where he was confronted by the homeowner.

The resident said the suspect then left the residence through a side yard, yelling "Don't call the police."

Investigators were able to determine from a neighbor's security camera footage that the suspect fled north toward a creek area.

The suspect is described as a slender white man who appeared to be about 5 foot 11 inches tall with a weight of about 180 pounds who was wearing a dark-green jacket, light-colored jeans and was armed with a golf cub.

Anyone who recognizes him is encouraged to call Petaluma police Officer Steve Cummings at 707-781-1249.

Image courtesy Petaluma Police Department