Crime & Safety
Suspected Bike Thief Finds Himself in a River of Trouble
Parolee was hiding in a creek near the Petaluma River when he was arrested on suspicion of bike theft, among other charges, police say.
Suspects turn up in the oddest places sometimes.
On Tuesday night, police in Petaluma found one up a creek.
Literally.
Find out what's happening in Petalumawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The search for a suspected bike thief led police to a creek near the Petaluma river, where they say they found their man in hiding, fully submerged.
Police identified the suspect as Robert Lee Ball, 52 of Petaluma.
Find out what's happening in Petalumawith free, real-time updates from Patch.
Ball was riding a mountain bike matching the description of one that had been reported stolen earlier in the day, authorities said.
The theft was reported by a resident on the 800 block of Holly Lane who told police an adult male entered his backyard and cut the lock of a bike valued at about $900 at about 6:42 p.m., police said.
Police patrolling the area where the alleged theft occurred spotted Ball riding the bike at about 10:03 p.m., Sgt. Ralph Evans said.
Ball rode past an officer who tried to stop him towards the Lynch Creek Trail, Evans said.
Additional officers summoned to the area found Ball hiding in a creek near the Petaluma River, submerged in the water with his face sticking out and the bike next to him, Evans said.
Ball was on parole for a burglary conviction, Evans said.
He was arrested on suspicion of possessing stolen property, delaying or obstructing an officer, and a parole hold, Evans said. He was booked into county jail on a no-bail hold.
