Police: man tried to drill vending machine lock

Petaluma police said they arrested a man today who was allegedly trying to break in to a vending machine at the city’s outlet mall using a power drill.

Michael Sampson, a 31-year-old Petaluma resident, was arrested at 2:30 p.m. after Petaluma Police Department Officer Chris Ricci reportedly saw him trying to drill the lock of the machine at the Petaluma Village Premium Outlets. Ricci was patrolling the area by car, following reports of burglary and vandalism of vending machines in the area.

Sampson was captured after fleeing on foot, police said. An “associated male,” 39-year-old Petaluma resident Jesse Shennan, was also detained.

Using a police dog, Jimmy, K-9 Officer Art Farinha searched the area and located a Makita cordless drill police said was used in the alleged incident. Police said Sampson discarded the drill as he fled from officers, and that the serial number on the tool was ground off.

The suspect was allegedly found to be in possession of a BB gun resembling a real handgun, drug paraphernalia and several credit cards belonging to others. Sampson faced five misdemeanor charges including attempted burglary, possession of burglary tools, possession of drug paraphernalia and removal of an identifying serial number while booked at the Sonoma County Main Jail Thursday afternoon, and $1,000 bail.

Shennan was arrested on a prowling charge, police said.