Stolen rental vehicle recovered in Yountville; driver arrested

Yountville Sheriff James Baumgartner told the Sun that on Tuesday, July 21, around 10 p.m., a resident in the 6700 block of Yount Street reported an e-bike had been stolen from their front porch. No one witnessed the theft, which took place between 4:30 and 10 p.m.

The victim provided deputies with a description of the e-bike, and they immediately began to search for the bike, beginning in the Yountville area, then moving south towards Napa on the bike trail.

A short time later, a deputy spotted a subject riding a bike near Napa’s Home Depot that matched the description of the stolen bike. The deputy attempted to stop the bike rider, but the subject fled. The suspect ditched the bike and continued running away. The deputy lost sight of the subject and confirmed that it was the stolen bike from Yountville. The bike, valued at more than $3,000, was returned to the owners.

The identity of the suspect remains unknown. The Yountville Sheriff’s Office is asking anyone with cameras in the vicinity of the theft to check for footage, and if they see anyone or anything suspicious on July 21 between 4:30 and 10 p.m. to call (707) 944-9228.

Baumgartner added, “This case is a good reminder to residents to keep their bikes and cars locked up at all times.”