Full Notification

On the morning of September 22, 2025, a Petaluma Police Community Service Officer responded to a report of a stolen vehicle from the parking garage of an apartment complex on Water Street. The victim reported that her vehicle had been taken from her assigned parking space. Investigators determined the suspect gained access to the vehicle using a spare key taken from another family member’s vehicle.

A Petaluma Police Field Evidence Technician processed that vehicle and lifted latent prints. Through surveillance footage provided by apartment management, the suspect was identified as Garrett Stauss (37, Petaluma), a resident of the complex. Later the same day, Stauss was observed returning the stolen vehicle and parking it across the street before leaving the area. Officers recovered the vehicle, which showed damage to the side doors and a changed license plate. Burglary tools and additional evidence were located inside the vehicle.

On September 23, 2025, Petaluma Police officers coordinated with Sonoma County Sheriff’s deputies, who were investigating Stauss for several vandalisms that he was observed committing while in possession of the stolen vehicle. Petaluma Police officers conducted surveillance in the area of Water Street and took Stauss into custody without incident. A subsequent search warrant served at his residence led to the recovery of the victim’s key fob and additional stolen property.

Stauss was booked into County Jail on charges related to vehicle theft and possession of stolen property.

The Petaluma Police Department would like to thank the management staff of the apartment complex for their cooperation and assistance during this investigation. We also encourage community members and local businesses with security cameras to register their systems with the Petaluma Police Security Camera Registry Program. Participation is voluntary, we never have access to your feeds, and you will only be contacted if it is believed your camera may have captured relevant footage. Registering allows officers to quickly identify potential sources of video evidence during investigations. To learn more or to sign up, please visit: https://cityofpetaluma.org/cameraregistration/