‘Prolific car thief’ finally nabbed

The Santa Rosa man suspected of nearly 20 thefts from unlocked Glen Ellen vehicles in May is in jail, captured while driving a stolen car. After a brief but dangerous car chase, Zachary Joseph Mayers, 23, was pursued on foot and apprehended by Sheriff’s deputies on October 23.

Mayers had been arrested in June after pleading guilty to possession of a stolen vehicle, and possession of ammunition by a convicted felon. He was given a 5 years and 8 month prison sentence, which was suspended.

Mayers was released to rehab probation on September 24. He was sent to Delancey Street, but disappeared soon after his arrival there. A no bail warrant was then issued for Mayers, “a wanted felon who is a prolific car thief.”

Meanwhile, Mayers, through physical evidence and possession of stolen property, was linked to the rash of thefts from vehicles in the Trinity Road, Bonnie Way, and Sylvia Drive neighborhoods of Glen Ellen. In one incident, on Trinity Road, the suspect stole a truck, but crashed it into driveway fence while making his getaway.

“The lone suspect fled the scene and his identity wasn’t discovered until recently,” according to the Sheriff’s report. A warrant was issued for Mayers’ arrest on October 17.

Mayers was spotted in a stolen vehicle on October 23. He tried to evade officers by driving “with wanton disregard for public safety,” but was eventually captured after a brief foot pursuit.

Mayers was said to be in possession of meth, possession of stolen property, and driving on a suspended drivers license. Mayers was booked at the county jail for his outstanding warrants and on the new charges stemming from the Glen Ellen spree, including residential burglary, stolen vehicle, and hit and run.

He is being held in county jail without bail due to his violation of probation.