Police Chase, TJ Maxx Toilet Hideout End in Petaluma Arrests

Four suspects linked to retail thefts at Target stores in Petaluma and Novato

Published on Feb. 27, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Petaluma police arrested four people in two separate evening retail theft cases that involved a foot chase, a suspect hiding in a TJ Maxx restroom, and suspected fentanyl. Officers linked the suspects to Target stores in Petaluma and Novato, with all four ultimately booked into Sonoma County jail as part of ongoing efforts to curb local retail crime.

Why it matters

Retail crime has been an ongoing issue in the Petaluma area, with the SoMa neighborhood of San Francisco seeing high rates of property crime. This incident highlights the efforts of local law enforcement to address the problem and the challenges they face in dealing with repeat offenders.

The details

In the first incident, police said they pursued a suspect on foot after responding to a report of a theft at a Target store. The suspect, later identified as Walker Reed Quinn, allegedly hid in a TJ Maxx bathroom before being apprehended. In a separate case, three other suspects were arrested and linked to thefts at a different Target location in Novato. Police said the suspects were found to be in possession of suspected fentanyl.

  • On the evening of February 26, 2026, Petaluma police responded to reports of a theft at a Target store.
  • The foot chase and TJ Maxx bathroom hideout incident occurred later that same evening.
  • The three additional suspects were arrested in a separate incident at a Target store in Novato on the same night.

The players

Walker Reed Quinn

A 45-year-old San Francisco resident who has a history of retail theft and was out on bail for prior cases related to Waymo vehicles.

Petaluma Police Department

The local law enforcement agency that responded to the retail theft incidents and made the arrests.

Target

The retail chain that was targeted in the theft incidents in both Petaluma and Novato.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on Petaluma streets, and if any special laws are needed to govern retail theft in the area.