Petaluma police seek suspected casino thief

Sneaking a purse off the chair of an unaware gambler, a woman took the bag into a bathroom and then returned it, minus a large amount of money and gambling chips, Petaluma police said Sunday.

Police are asking for help in identifying the suspect at the Park West Casino on Montero Way in east Petaluma.

The gambler called police at 9:50 a.m. Saturday after discovering the missing money.

Surveillance tape offered a suspect in the 7:15 a.m. theft. The tape showed a woman taking the purse, which hung from the back of the chair, and heading for a casino bathroom. A few minutes later the woman returned the purse.

Police didn’t say how much money was taken.

Officials have released a photo and description, saying the woman in the video is Asian, about 50 years old, 5-foot-5, 120 pounds and has short brown hair. She wore a blue-colored sweater, gray shirt, gray pants and gold shoes.

Police officials asked anyone who recognizes the woman or knows of the theft to contact Officer Howard at 707-781-1274.

You can reach Staff Writer Randi Rossmann at 521-5412 or randi.rossmann@pressdemocrat.com.