Santa Rosa police arrest 19-year-old after shooting near Cinco de Mayo festival
Police in Santa Rosa have made one arrest and are looking for additional suspects following a shooting near a Cinco de Mayo festival Tuesday night.
In a message to the community, police chief John Cregan gave an update into the investigation Wednesday. Cregan said the shooting, which took place in the parking lot of the Roseland Library, was a gang-related incident.
"While the shooting occurred just outside the defined footprint of the festival, it is important to acknowledge that hundreds of community members were gathered in the immediate area, enjoying a family‑focused event intended to bring people together," Cregan said. "It is deeply disheartening to see an event centered on connection, family, and community impacted by such a senseless act of violence."
Shortly before 8:30 p.m., officers heard several shots coming from Dutton Avenue outside of the festival area. Soon after, officers saw a male victim in his early 20s with a gunshot wound running toward them.
Police stayed with the victim until medical personnel arrived and took him to the hospital. The victim's injuries were life-threatening, but police said he was in stable condition Tuesday night.
According to initial reports, an altercation took place before the shooting. The suspect drew a firearm and fired several rounds before leaving the area. In addition to the victim being wounded, Cregan said a stray round struck a nearby taco truck.
Officers from the department's Special Enforcement Team located a 19-year-old male suspect near Ridley and Jennings avenues around 3:30 a.m. Wednesday. He was taken into custody without incident and has been booked into jail on charges related to assault with a firearm and participation in a criminal street gang.
Police did not release the suspect's name.
"While this arrest represents important progress, our work is not done. The firearm used in this incident has not yet been recovered, and we believe additional individuals were involved," the chief went on to say.
Anyone with information is asked to contact the Gang Grimes Team tipline by calling 707-543-3670. Tips can also be submitted through the department's website.
The Sonoma County Alliance Community Engagement and Safety Rewards Fund is offering a $2,500 reward for information leading to the arrest of suspects in the shooting.
