The law has rained down on Thomas Barnick, 48, the Sonoma Valley man suspected of stealing 407 sprinkler heads from area vineyards.
Barnick was under surveillance early Monday when, after a gambling stint at the River Rock Casino, he drove into a nearby vineyard at 3 a.m. and began removing the Rain Bird devices, according to the Sheriff’s report. He was arrested at the site.
Since October, there have been 18 reported such cases countywide with a property loss exceeding $50,000. Barnick became a prime suspect in May when his truck was reportedly seen on or near the property near the time of two thefts. He was also identified in a photo line-up, detectives said.
Barnick was jailed on $100,000 bail on suspicion of grand theft, possession of stolen property and driving with a suspended driver’s license.
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