2 arrests made in brazen Santa Rosa home invasion robbery

(KRON) -- A man who was out of prison on post-release community supervision allegedly forced his way into a North Bay home over the weekend and restrained a victim before stealing property, the Santa Rosa Police Department announced Wednesday.

Authorities investigating the home invasion robbery said that a man armed with a handgun forced his way into a residence on the 1700 block of Dorado Court on Sunday. The intruder then restrained a victim inside the home and began to steal items before fleeing.

After the armed robber left, the victim was able to free themselves and call for help, Santa Rosa PD said. Responding officers were unable to locate the suspect immediately following the incident.

The police department’s Violent Crimes Investigation Team was able to identify the robbery suspect as Jason Buck, 48, of Santa Rosa. Investigators also said that Buck had an accomplice who drove him to the scene, identified as Vallen Burkhauser, 29, of Santa Rosa.

The two suspected criminals fraudulently used the victim’s stolen cards at several locations in Sonoma County following the robbery, police said.

Burkhauser was arrested on Tuesday morning at a location on Santa Rosa Avenue, according to authorities, on charges of robbery, two counts of commercial burglary, identity theft and a probation violation.

Burk was arrested later Tuesday evening in a traffic stop on Lotus Court and Barham Avenue on charges of robbery, kidnapping during robbery, false imprisonment, elder abuse, commercial burglary, identity theft and a violation of post-release community supervision.

Anyone with information, including witnesses or those with surveillance video, is asked to contact the Santa Rosa Police Department at (707)-543-3590 or through the online tip line.