City of Santa Rosa, CA, CivicReady Public Safety Alerts & Notifications
SRPD News Release: Residential Burglary, Attempted Burglaries, and Stolen Vehicle Investigation Leads to Arrest
Residential Burglary, Attempted Burglaries, and Stolen Vehicle Investigation Leads to Arrest
The Santa Rosa Police Department is investigating a series of incidents involving residential burglary, attempted burglary, and a stolen vehicle that occurred between late Saturday night and early Sunday morning. One suspect was arrested.On February 21, 2026, at approximately 11:45 p.m., officers responded to a residence in the 3600 block of Hacienda Drive after a homeowner reported finding an unknown male inside the master bathroom. The suspect entered through an open window from a rear deck. The homeowner confronted the male, who then left the residence. Officers established a perimeter and conducted an extensive search of the area, including the use of a K9 and a drone, but the suspect was not located. The homeowner provided a suspect description.
On February 22, 2026, at approximately 7:05 a.m., officers received a report from a resident on Lurline Place who was concerned a neighbor’s home had been burglarized while the homeowners were out of town. The reporting party observed lights on inside the residence and signs the interior had been rummaged through. The homeowners were contacted and confirmed the home was not left in that condition.
At approximately 7:21 a.m., officers responded to the 2000 block of Woodward Drive for a report of a male attempting to enter a residence by removing a window screen. The resident confronted the male, who walked to a nearby vehicle and left the area. A suspect description and vehicle description were provided to officers. The suspect description matched the description provided by the homeowner from the earlier Hacienda Drive incident.
Additional reports were received from residents on Webb Drive between approximately 7:36 a.m. and 8:17 a.m., involving a male subject approaching residences and attempting to open front doors. The suspect description in these incidents also matched the description provided by the homeowner from the previous incidents on Hacienda Dr. and Woodward Dr .
Officers located a subject matching the suspect description in the area of Yulupa Avenue and Sonoma Ave. During the contact, the subject initially did not comply with commands to put down items he was holding (PVC pipes). After a brief delay, he put the items down and was detained without incident.
Officers also located a vehicle matching the description provided by reporting parties. The registered owner was contacted and discovered the vehicle had been stolen. The homeowner's car keys had been in the garage which the suspect had entered. The owner also reported theft of a wallet and cash also located in the garage. During the investigation, officers developed evidence linking the suspect to the residential burglary, attempted burglaries, and vehicle theft.
Arrested:
Brian Galban, 48-year-old Santa Rosa resident
Charges:
- Penal Code 459 — Residential Burglary
- Penal Code 664/459 — Attempted Burglary
- Vehicle Code 10851 — Vehicle Theft
- Penal Code 496(d) — Possession of Stolen Property
- Penal Code 148(a)(1) — Resisting, Delaying, or Obstructing a Peace Officer
The Santa Rosa Police Department thanks the community members who observed suspicious activity, checked on neighbors, and promptly contacted police. The timely reports and detailed information provided by residents were key in helping officers locate the suspect and move the investigation forward.
Anyone with additional information or video (doorbell cameras, surveillance, dashcams) is encouraged to contact the Santa Rosa Police Department at (707) 528-5222 and reference case number 26-1908.
Media Contact:
Lt. Matt North
707-543-3646