Petaluma Police Arrest 4 Suspects in Retail Theft Incidents

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Petaluma police arrested four people suspected in two separate retail thefts on one evening that involved suspects fleeing from officers, a TJ Maxx bathroom hideout, and the discovery of suspected fentanyl and other stolen property.

Why it matters

Retail theft and related crimes continue to be an ongoing issue for law enforcement in the North Bay region, with the Petaluma Police Department working to address these incidents through arrests and investigations.

The details

In the first incident, police responded to a report of two Upper Lake residents suspected of shoplifting at a Petaluma Target store. One suspect fled on foot but was quickly apprehended, while the other was found hiding in a TJ Maxx bathroom and arrested on suspicion of theft, drug possession, and other charges. Later that evening, Target employees reported another theft involving a suspect from Santa Rosa and another from Ukiah, both of whom were wanted on outstanding warrants.

• At around 5:53 p.m. on February 19, 2026, Petaluma police responded to a report of shoplifting at a Target store.
• Later that evening, at around 9:50 p.m. on February 19, 2026, Target employees reported another theft incident.

What they’re saying