Rio Linda's Night of Chaos: A Community Stands Strong

In the early hours of Friday morning, a wave of burglaries hit Rio Linda, leaving six small businesses in disarray. The culprit, 24-year-old Brendan Williams, was swiftly apprehended by Sacramento County Sheriff's Deputies. Williams is now facing a slew of charges, including felony vandalism, burglary, and multiple misdemeanors.

The Spree Begins

The spree started at Sterling Water Supply on Elkhorn Boulevard, just after midnight. Law enforcement arrived to find a shattered window and quickly realized the chaos was spreading. Nearby, a Starbucks had also been targeted. The trouble then moved to the Rio Linda Shopping Center, where four businesses—The Grotto, Taqueria Mi Lindo Apatzingan, Meg's Creamery, and Rio Java Coffee House—were broken into. Windows were smashed, and the interiors were ransacked.

The Culprit Caught

Williams was caught red-handed inside one of the businesses. Despite being held at gunpoint, he tried to escape but was eventually apprehended. Deputies found a backpack near the scene, containing burglary tools and cash believed to be stolen.

The Damage and Community Response

The damage left behind was significant. Business owners were left to pick up the pieces, with repair costs reaching thousands of dollars. Natalee Price, owner of The Grotto, estimated her damages at over $1,000.

"That's someone's paycheck gone," she lamented.

But the story doesn't end there. The community rallied around the affected businesses, offering help and support. Before Price even arrived at her restaurant, she was flooded with calls from friends and community members offering to clean up or cover the costs.

The outpouring of support was overwhelming. The same day as the break-ins, The Grotto hosted a "Swanky Night," drawing in a crowd eager to show their solidarity. For Price, the community's response meant more than the damage inflicted. It was a reminder of the strength and resilience of Rio Linda.