Authorities in Sonoma County have arrested a man on suspicion of burglary following a brief foot pursuit earlier this week.
According to a press release by the Petaluma Police Department, the department dispatch center received a call reporting suspicious activity in the vicinity of the Arroyo Center shortly after 2 AM on Sunday, August 13. According to the caller, gunshots were heard followed by the sound of breaking glass. The department dispatched officers to the scene.
Upon arrival, officers reportedly discovered a broken window at a business located within the Arroyo Center. They called for anyone inside the establishment to exit. One individual, identified as Yony Rodas, emerged from the premises through the front door. However, when commanded to show his hands and surrender, Rodas allegedly disregarded the officers’ commands and fled on foot through the Arroyo Center.
In light of the initial report mentioning possible gunshots and the potential danger to the public, the officers pursued Rodas on foot. The officers pursued Rodas through the Arroyo Center and towards a nearby residential neighborhood. Ultimately, officers made the choice to deploy a taser in an effort to immobilize Rodas before he could reach the residential area. He was then taken into custody without further incident, police said.
After the arrest, the officers searched Rodas and discovered a collection of burglary tools, but no firearm. A comprehensive sweep of the area and the burglarized business failed to produce any evidence of firearm use, police said.
Roda was booked at the Sonoma County jail on suspicion of burglary, resisting arrest, and possession of burglary tools. The investigation remains active and ongoing.
It was unclear at press time whether Rodas had retained an attorney. All persons arrested on suspicion of a crime are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.
