A Petaluma police dog, K-9 Officer Basko, helped find a suspect who allegedly burglarized a restaurant early this morning, a police lieutenant said.
Billy Vassiliou, 45, of Martinez, was found in the area of Cader Lane and Fisher Drive this morning, Petaluma police Lt. Tim Lyons said.
Police had responded around 1 a.m. to a burglary alarm at Lily Kai's Chinese Cuisine restaurant at 3100 Lakeville Highway at South McDowell Boulevard, Lyons said.
A security guard who also noticed the alarm found a window that was smashed with a rock, allowing someone to enter the restaurant, Lyons said.
A police officer tried to contact a possible suspect walking in a field at the rear of the shopping center but the suspect ignored commands and fled further into a field of tall grass and shrubs, according to Lyons.
Officers ordered the suspect to surrender and police K-9 Basko found him hiding in the field, Lyons said.
The suspect, identified as Vassiliou, was taken into custody and police found a large amount of quarters in his pocket, as well as a screwdriver, flashlight, gloves and discarded clothing, Lyons said.
Police determined $10 in quarters was taken from the restaurant. Vassiliou was medically cleared at Petaluma Valley Hospital and then arrested on suspicion of burglary, resisting arrest and possession of burglary tools, Lyons said.
Vassiliou, who has prior contacts with police for possession of drugs and property crimes, was booked in Sonoma County Jail, Lyons said.
K-9 Officer Joerger also assisted, police said.
--Bay City News
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