Suspected Car Thief From Rohnert Park Arrested

PETALUMA, CA – A Rohnert Park man was arrested Monday on auto theft charges after Petaluma police stopped a vehicle that reportedly was stolen from a driveway during a morning "warm up," officials said.

A Rohnert Park resident at 7:50 a.m. on Monday called the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety to report his vehicle was stolen as it was defrosting in his driveway before he left for work, the Petaluma Police Department said. A "be on the lookout" alert was sent to local law enforcement agencies.

At 8:12 a.m., Petaluma officers spotted the car driving into Petaluma from Adobe Road, the agency said.

After performing a high-risk stop, police arrested the driver, Sean Hadley, 41, on suspicion of vehicle theft and possession of a stolen vehicle, the department said. Hadley was booked into the Sonoma County Jail.

“'Warm-up' thefts are very common during the winter months and criminals take advantage of the opportunity," the Petaluma Police Department said. While the agency said it understands the need to defrost a vehicle prior to legally and safely driving it on a roadway, "it is suggested somebody stay with the vehicle, lock the vehicle, or at least maintain sight of the vehicle during the time needed to defrost it."

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--Image via Petaluma PD