A late-night shock in a Santa Rosa bathroom turned into an all-night search and yesterday's arrest, after police say a 48-year-old man tried to break into multiple homes and was later found in a stolen car.
The string of incidents began around 11:45 PM last Saturday in the 3600 block of Hacienda Drive, when a homeowner reported finding a stranger in the master bathroom, according to a press release from the Santa Rosa Police. Officers swept the neighborhood with help from a drone and a police K-9, but the man slipped away into the night, the department said.
Neighbors report early-morning break-ins and attempts
A few hours later, the neighborhood woke up to more trouble. Around 7 AM yesterday, a resident on Lurline Place reported that her neighbor’s home had been ransacked. Within a short window, police received reports of three more attempted burglaries, one in the 2000 block of Woodward Drive and two on Webb Drive. Those accounts, and the broader timeline of the morning, were detailed by KTVU, which republished the department’s release.
Search, detention and vehicle recovery
Officers eventually spotted a man who matched the suspect description near Yulupa Avenue and Sonoma Avenue. According to the City of Santa Rosa, he initially did not comply with officers and was holding PVC pipes, but he put the items down and was detained without further incident. Police say the vehicle he was in was reported stolen. When officers contacted the registered owner, that person told investigators that car keys, a wallet, and cash had been taken from the garage.
Charges and next steps
The suspect was identified as 48-year-old Brian Galban. He faces a slate of charges that include residential burglary (Penal Code 459), attempted burglary (PC 664/459), vehicle theft (Vehicle Code 10851), possession of stolen property (PC 496(d)) and resisting or obstructing an officer (PC 148(a)(1)). He was booked into the Sonoma County Jail with a $1,000,000 bail enhancement. The case reference is 26-1908, according to coverage from SFGATE, which republished the department’s information.
How residents can help
Santa Rosa police credited sharp-eyed neighbors for calling in suspicious activity and urged anyone with additional information or video to contact the department at (707) 528-5222. Media inquiries can be directed to Lt. Matt North at (707) 543-3646. Detectives with the SRPD property crimes team are continuing to follow up on leads and evidence as the case moves forward.
