Rohnert Park Burglary Suspect Arrested

The Sonoma County Sheriff’s Office arrested a Rohnert Park man at a Santa Rosa hotel Wednesday on several outstanding warrants in Napa and Sonoma counties, a sheriff’s sergeant said. Sheriff’s detectives, who were searching for burglary suspect Branden Rhoades, 36, went to the Best Western Hotel around 9:15 p.m. Wednesday, Sgt. Cecile Focha said.

They found a babysitter and four healthy, unharmed children, Focha said.

Rhoades and the children’s mother, Jamie Katz, returned to the hotel room around 11:10 p.m., Focha said.

Rhoades, who was in possession of a chemical spray intended to deter a bear attack, was arrested and booked in the Sonoma County Jail for a probation violation, being a felon in possession of tear gas and on his outstanding warrants, Focha said.

Rhoades’ Sonoma County arrest warrants were for burglary, conspiracy and possession of stolen property, Focha said.

Santa Rosa police had a warrant for Rhoades’ arrest for possession of a controlled substance, resisting arrest and being a felon in possession of ammunition.

Napa County authorities had a $250,000 warrant for Rhoades’ arrest for residential burglary involving a stolen vehicle and a firearm, Focha said. His total bail is $285,000 and he is scheduled to be arraigned this afternoon in Sonoma County Superior Court.

The four children in the hotel were returned to their mother.

--Bay City News