Full Notification

On August 19, 2014 at approximately 11:50 a.m., a Santa Rosa Junior College (SRJC) student observed a bicycle locked to a bicycle rack on the Santa Rosa Campus at Scholars Drive, near Bussman Hall. The bicycle was missing both its wheels. The student then saw a male subject on a bicycle carrying two bicycle wheels riding away from the area. The student believed this to be suspicious behavior and saw a SRJC District Police Department Officer on patrol. The student flagged the police officer down and related what had just occurred.

The District police officer immediately began to search the area just north of the SRJC for the male subject. The SRJC District Police know of a private residence on Richmond Drive which houses several transients who often barter stolen property for illegal drugs. The officer immediately drove to this residence where he discovered the male subject whom the student described. The officer made contact with Kelly Michael Dilles, a 46 year old Santa Rosa resident, as he was still sitting on his bicycle in the front yard of the residence. The two stolen bicycle wheels where on the ground to his side. Dilles was later identified as the male subject leaving the area of the theft. The owner of the bicycle, another SRJC student, was contacted and confirmed the wheels were in fact his property. The stolen property was returned to the victim.

Dilles was arrested for possession of stolen property and violation of court probation. He was booked into the Sonoma County Jail.

The SRJC District Police Department would like to thank the student who observed this suspicious behavior and immediately reported it to the police. The student’s quick action greatly assisted in getting the victim’s property back and may very well have prevented future thefts in our community.

The Police Department would also like to remind the SRJC community to always keep a close and watchful eye on their personal belongings. A common crime which occurs on campus is the theft of bicycles. It is recommended to properly secure bicycles to the designated bicycle racks with a quality lock. The SRJC is an open campus and allows the public to use its facilities for educational and enrichment purposes. While the SRJC campuses are relatively safe environments, they are not crime free. Please help the Police Department by reporting any suspicious activity immediately at (707)527-1000.