WINDSOR RESIDENT FIGHTS INTRUDER: CLOVERDALE MAN TAKEN INTO CUSTODY AFTER APPARENT BURGLARY OF HOME

A homeowner who awakened to find an intruder in his home helped Windsor police arrest the man on suspicion of burglary and other crimes.

Robert Venoie Williams, 31, of Cloverdale was taken into custody around 4 a.m. Saturday after police responded to a report of an apparent burglary on Vinecrest Road.

A man and woman told detectives they heard noises from their laundry room and found Williams there. The man fought the intruder as the woman called 911.

The suspect was able to get away and run up the street while the homeowner gave chase, according to a press release from the Sonoma County Sheriff's Office, which assisted in the investigation.

A Windsor police officer spotted Williams nearby in a car and arrested him.

Detectives believe that Williams broke a window to get into a locked garage, where he got into the woman's car and stole money and credit cards. The cash and cards were found in his possession.

Several valuable antiques in the garage had been placed near the back door to apparently load up, detectives said.

Williams got into the house through a laundry-room door, detectives said.

He was booked on suspicion of burglary, robbery and possession of burglary tools, with bail set at $500,000. Detectives said they will request additional charges of assault and battery.

During the confrontation, the male homeowner suffered a dislocated finger.