Suspected Sebastopol car thief runs stop sign, arrested after fleeing police

When you steal a car, the last thing you want to do is commit a moving violation.

But according to Sebastopol police, that’s exactly what Michael Linetsky, 30, of Palo Alto did late Saturday night.

Police said Linetsky ran a stop sign at about 11:43 p.m., just moments after taking a 1997 silver Honda Civic parked outside of Aubergine Vintage Emporium and Cafe on Petaluma Avenue.

A police officer was in the area and saw the traffic violation.

When the officer attempted to pull the Honda over, Linetsky took off, police said.

Police chased Linetsky around town for more than a mile, down residential and commercial streets, with speeds reaching between 30 and 50 mph. Police said Linetsky ran traffic lights and stop signs.

Then Linetsky turned onto Flynn Street, a dead-end road on the west side of the Sebastopol Skategarden Park.

Police said it was clear Linetsky didn’t know where he was going.

Linetsky stopped the car and took off running, police said. The car kept rolling up Flynn Street and struck the chain link fence at the end of the street.

Police apprehended Linetsky after a brief foot pursuit. Police said the Honda Civic hadn’t been locked and the owner left the keys in the car.

Linetsky was arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft, driving under the influence, evading a police officer and violating probation.

Police said Linetsky was on felony probation out of San Mateo County with an active warrant for his arrest. His blood alcohol content was 0.12 percent, above the 0.08 percent legal limit, officials said.

Linetsky was booked into Sonoma County Jail.

You can reach Staff Writer Martin Espinoza at 521-5213 or martin.espinoza@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @renofish.