Alert Citizen Leads Police to Burglary Suspect

Rohnert Park police are making headway in an investigation into a series of robberies, all of which have occured this week — the most recent was Thursday on Santa Dorotea Circle. At about 4 p.m. Jan. 12, police said an "alert citizen" reported a possible break in on the 800 block of Santa Dorotea Circle.

Police said the resident reported seeing a "suspicious person in the side yard of his neighbor's residence." It was the citizen's description of the alleged robber's vehicle, including license plate number, that led to the arrest of Joann Marie Alley, 51, of Rohnert Park, officials said.

Police located Alley's vechicle in the early morning hours of Jan. 13 at Rodeway Inn on Redwood Drive, where she was arrested. Police said she has denied any involvement in the incident.

Local authorities continue to investigate a series of robberies in D and F sections — conducting probation searches, communicating with local businesses and residents and working with the suspect. Alley has been linked to those crimes as well. Police said some of the victims' property has turned up here and in Santa Rosa.

Police are withholding further details on the investigation, specifics such the exact number of robberies, addresses and a detailed description of the suspect.

"At this point we're still linking the suspect to various crimes — we can’t release those types of specifics until we conduct all interviews," said Sgt. Jason Krauss, of the Department of Public Safety. "All the incidents have occurred within the last three days."

Police underscored the importance of community involvement in reporting crimes or suspicious activity — calling it a successful model for community-oriented policing.

"The entire investigation was helped by a good witness who reoported," Krauss sad. "We talk about having a good partnership with the community ... we really appreciate when they can call us with suspicious activity like this. The feedback enabled us to find the suspect’s vehicle."

Rohnert Park Patch is following this story closely, and will continue to update as we get information.