In a routine bust at a local Target store, Petaluma police apprehended a man after he was caught attempting to slip away with a cache of over-the-counter medications, the Petaluma Police Department reported yesterday. The incident, which happened last Saturday began unfolding around 1:30 PM when a suspect was spotted stuffing these items into a black duffle bag.
The suspect, later identified as 32-year-old James Johnson from Santa Maria, decided to make his exit through the fire escape, which was anticipated by the officers who were already in position to meet him. Thanks to the cooperation between Target Loss Prevention and Petaluma Dispatch officers, who were in a position to anticipate the suspect's exit strategy via the fire escape. This culminated in a failed attempt at freedom and a duffle bag being thrown carelessly towards a nearby dumpster; however, Johnson was detained without further incident.
Upon his arrest, police found over $900 worth of medication and 15 grams of what is suspected to be fentanyl on Johnson's person, as per the official report from the Petaluma Police Department. His prior record, with two theft-related convictions, pushed his charges up under Penal Code 666.1 P.C., an enhancement for repeat theft offenders. Johnson, consequently, now faces charges for theft with priors and possession of a controlled substance.
After the discovery and subsequent arrest, Johnson was booked into the Sonoma County Jail facing charges specifically listed as 666.1(a)(1) PC - Theft with priors, and 11350(a) H&S - Possession of a controlled substance.
