Last Wednesday, a Target store at the East Washington Place shopping center in Petaluma became the center of police activity. The Petaluma Police Department responded to a report of a retail theft in progress. According to their Facebook page, the suspect, 57-year-old William Vierra from Petaluma, had already fled the scene by the time officers arrived at approximately 4:39 PM.

Nevertheless, Vierra's attempt to evade law enforcement was short-lived. Though leaving the shopping center before officers could apprehend him, Community Service Officers laid eyes on him. They swiftly provided updates on his whereabouts, enabling the police to catch up further downtown. Upon being caught, Vierra was found with several bags of what was confirmed to be stolen merchandise.

The incident didn't just end with the recovery of stolen goods. It was found that Vierra was on felony post-release supervision and misdemeanor probation, complicating his legal circumstances. Vierra was taken into custody and transported to the Sonoma County Adult Main Detention Center. The items he had taken were returned to their rightful place on Target's shelves.