On Sunday, May 24, Petaluma Police officers responded to a theft investigation at 7-Eleven after witnesses reported that an unknown suspect entered the store wearing a mask and stole multiple packs of cigarettes before fleeing the scene in a brown Scion with two additional passengers. The witnesses were able to obtain the vehicle’s license plate information and provide it to responding officers.
Shortly after the incident, officers received a FLOCK camera system alert identifying the suspect vehicle within the city. Officers located the vehicle parked in the 300 block of Petaluma Boulevard South with a solo occupant inside. During the investigation, officers observed the stolen cigarettes in plain view within the vehicle.
The occupant, Waheed Matero-Lindauer, (19, San Jose) admitted to driving the vehicle during the theft and stated he was aware the theft was going to occur, although he did not enter the store. The suspect was arrested and booked into county jail for 459.5(a) PC – Shoplifting and 182(a)(1) PC – Conspiracy to Commit a Crime.
The identities of the two additional suspects remain under investigation.
The Petaluma Police Department uses FLOCK camera technology as an investigative tool designed to assist officers in identifying suspect vehicles and apprehending individuals involved in criminal activity. The system is not intended for general public surveillance, but rather to provide timely investigative leads that support public safety and help solve crimes efficiently. We are grateful to have these kinds of technology assisting our team and grateful to the quick reporting from witnesses that led to making an arrest.
If you have any information on this incident, please contact the investigating officer, Officer Cox at [email protected] or submit a tip anonymously online by visiting: nixle.us/tip/petaluma-police-department/
