Two Arrested in Petaluma for Alleged Possession of Stolen Vehicle
Photo courtesy of Petaluma PD
Two individuals have been arrested in Petaluma after police reportedly found them in possession of a stolen vehicle.
According to a press release by Petaluma PD, the incident began on March 23, when the department received a call about an unoccupied vehicle parked in front of a community member’s residence with the engine running. After investigating the vehicle, officers determined that it had been reported stolen out of San Rafael.
The police officers monitored the vehicle for a short time, hoping to catch the suspects returning. However, seeing no one in the area, they took possession of the vehicle and later towed it away for safekeeping after being unable to contact the vehicle’s owner.
Officers continued their investigation and canvassed the neighborhood for evidence and potential suspects. Their search led them to a residence on Santa Ines Way, where they found two individuals, later identified as Tania Sanchez-Soto (24) and Enrique Galica-Torres (21).
After detaining the suspects, officers found evidence linking them to the stolen vehicle, as well as suspected narcotics and associated paraphernalia.
Both suspects were arrested and later transported to the Sonoma County jail, where they were booked without incident, police said.
Tania Sanchez-Soto was booked on suspicion of vehicle theft, conspiracy, obstructing a police officer, and possession of stolen property. Galica-Torres was booked on suspicion of vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, violation of probation, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia.
The department has extended its gratitude to the various community members that aided in the investigation. Although arrests have been made, the investigation is ongoing. Both individuals remain in custody, and it was unclear at press time whether either defendant had retained an attorney.
The department has encouraged anyone with information regarding the incident to contact Petaluma Police Department Officer D. Dickerson at ddickerson@cityofpetaluma.org or at 707-778-4372.
