A 40-year-old Oakland resident was cited Wednesday morning after he was caught allegedly stealing city water from a hydrant in downtown Petaluma.
The man, identified as Alberto Martinez, an employee of SanFrancisco-based Bayline Construction, had pulled up his truck next to a hydrant located at Baker and Bassett streets and was pumping water through a hose.
He was spotted around 8am by a motorcycle officer, cited and told to appear in court.
Although the theft is valued at less than $100, police say stealing city water is a serious crime and that offenders will be prosecuted. They also remind residents and businesses that anyone seeking city water for construction projects needs to first contact the Petaluma Water Resources Department to set up an account and obtain a meter.
