Car stolen from Petaluma driveway as it was warming up

A Petaluma man was arrested Monday morning on suspicion of stealing a car while it was warming up in a driveway on the 400 block of Stuart Drive.

Robert Moore, 27, who police called a “prolific Petaluma criminal,” was taken into custody outside an elementary school after he evaded police in a high-speed chase, Petaluma police said in a statement.

Moore allegedly stole the vehicle just after 7 a.m. and was spotted by an officer driving on Ely Boulevard South shortly after, police said. He then allegedly drove away at high speeds through residential areas before parking and fleeing on foot through an elementary school, police said.

Another Petaluma police officer spotted Moore walking near the school and detained him, police said. Police allegedly found the suspect to be in possession of the victim’s property, burglary tools, drugs and paraphernalia.

Moore was booked into Sonoma County Jail for reckless evasion, vehicle theft with priors, and possession of a controlled substance, among other charges.

You can reach Staff Writer Nick Rahaim at 707-521-5203 or nick.rahaim@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @nrahaim.