Sonoma Raceway mechanic arrested on suspicion of stealing custom racing wheels

A Petaluma mechanic was arrested by Sonoma County sheriff’s deputies Tuesday on suspicion of stealing eight custom racing wheels from a garage at the Sonoma Raceway.

Jordan Slater, 49, a mechanic at the track, was booked in Sonoma County Jail on grand theft charges for the alleged heist valued at $6,000, the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement. He was released on $5,000 bail.

The theft occurred in November or December but was not reported until Feb. 23 when the owner saw the wheels for sale on Craigslist, the Sheriff’s Office said.

Detectives made an appointment to purchase four of the stolen wheels from the seller in Novato for $800, the Sheriff’s Office said. Authorities found the seller was not the culprit of the theft, but had traded discounted auto parts for the wheels with Slater.

Detectives served a warrant Tuesday at Slater’s residence on the 900 block of Ely Boulevard in Petaluma, arrested him but were unable to locate the four remaining stolen tires, the Sheriff’s Office said.