Police Arrest Sex Offender Wanted In Petaluma

PETALUMA, CA — A convicted sex offender has been apprehended in Petaluma after police say he failed to register with the police department as required by law. Thomas Steger, 45, was taken into custody Wednesday after police spotted him behind the Target store, a police lieutenant said in a news release.

Petaluma police were close to apprehending Steger last week at a business on Lakeville Street but when he got away, they appealed to the community for its help in locating Steger. Police said at the time that Steger had six outstanding warrants for his arrest, two of which were for failing to register as a sex offender.

In addition to the warrants, Petaluma police allege Steger contacted a local business he was having a dispute with and made threats toward employees of the business and their families.

"These threats did make the victims fear for their safety," said Petaluma police Lt. Ron Klein.

At about 4:17 p.m. Wednesday, Steger was located behind Target. Police said he ran across the pedestrian walkway which spans Highway 101. But as Steger ran east toward Stuart Drive on the other side of the freeway, officers were there to meet him and he was taken into custody without incident, Klein said.

The lieutenant said Steger was carrying a Glock-style airsoft gun and portable handheld police scanner when he was arrested.

"When asked, Steger told officers he had the replica gun for protection," Klein said.

Klein was booked into Sonoma County Jail on suspicion of the original charge of failing to register as a sex offender in Petaluma, the six outstanding warrants, and criminal threats.

Jail records showed Thursday that Steger remained in custody in lieu of $130,000 bail.

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Photos via Petaluma Police Department and Sonoma County Sheriff's jail website