Auto Theft Suspect Arrested 10 Hours After Being Released from Jail

Petaluma Police received a call from a vehicle owner on Maria Drive Tuesday morning, reporting that his white 2005 Toyota Tacoma had just been stolen from his driveway where he left it running to warm up.

The stolen vehicle is a company vehicle and has a sticker displayed on the back with something similar to “How is my driving?” with a phone number.

About fifteen minutes later, as Petaluma Police units were looking for the vehicle, motorists on SB U.S. 101 from Cotati were calling the phone number to report the driver was driving erratically.

The business owner notified police dispatchers who updated police units.

Motor Officer Paul Accornero picked up the vehicle as it passed Pepper Road. He followed the vehicle to the East Washington Street off ramp where other units were waiting to conduct a high risk traffic stop. The stop was made on the overpass and the suspect, Dante Jackson, was taken into custody without incident.

Investigators with Sonoma County Auto Theft Task Force responded and assumed the investigation. The suspect admitted to the theft.

The suspect had been released from jail less than ten hours before this crime occurred. He was in court Monday where he was convicted for his first auto theft charge.

Jackson was found with shaved keys in his possession. He is being held without bail on charges for auto theft and possession of burglary tools.

--Information from Petaluma Police