Arrest Made in a Series of Vehicle Vandalisms in Historic Railroad Square District 

The Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) is actively investigating a large string of vehicle vandalisms, specifically tire slashings, that occurred in the pre-dawn hours in the Historic Railroad Square District. Initial reports indicate that approximately 50 vehicles may have been vandalized; however, that number is expected to grow as the investigation continues. 

Detectives with the SRPD Property Crimes Investigations Team (PCI) immediately responded and assumed the investigation. Detectives and officers are still actively working to identify additional affected vehicles; match vehicles with victims who may not have yet discovered the damage; and collect and evaluate digital evidence such as security camera footage. 

Based on a video recorded by an area security camera, detectives believed the suspect to be a White adult male wearing a black hoodie, black pants, and carrying a bright red bag, likely a reusable shopping bag. As the investigation progressed, officers were dispatched to a residence in the 500 block of E. Jasmine Circle to a report of a male matching the above description in the garage of a residence actively popping the tires with a knife. Officers immediately responded to the residence and detained Keith Johnson, a 32-year-old transient from Santa Rosa. 

At the time of his detention, he was in possession of the red shopping bag seen in the earlier recording, several knives, personal identifying information belonging to another person, and a glass pipe commonly used to smoke narcotics, specifically methamphetamine. SRPD PCI detectives ultimately concluded Johnson was responsible for the series of tire slashings that occurred throughout the morning. 

As this investigation was unfolding, a business owner reported a broken window at his office located in the 1000 block of Jennings Avenue. It is believed the vandalism occurred during the overnight hours on April 25th. Based on evidence obtained during the investigation of that incident, detectives determined Johnson was also responsible for this vandalism. 

At the time of his arrest, Johnson was on probation for a previous conviction for possession of a “dirk or dagger.”  

Johnson was arrested and booked into Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility for the following charges: 

594(b)(1) PC – Felony vandalism 

459 PC – Felony burglary 

11364(a) PC – Possession of narcotic paraphernalia 

530.5(a) PC – Possession of another person’s personal identifying information 

1203.2 PC – Violation of probation 

SRPD is requesting assistance from the community, particularly business owners and area residents. Anyone with security camera footage from the overnight and early morning hours that recorded a person matching the above description, or any suspicious activity, is asked to contact Detective Cody Sousa at csousa@sricty.org. 

If you have damage to your vehicle and have not been contacted by an officer or detective, please call 707-528-5222 and reference SRPD case number 26-4334. 

The Santa Rosa Police Department remains committed to the safety and security of all Santa Rosa businesses, residents, and visitors. We recognize the importance of a safe and vibrant downtown area, and we are dedicating the necessary resources to continue this still active investigation. 

Santa Rosa Police Department case numbers 26-4334, 26-4346, 26-4351. 

Media inquiries can be made to Sgt. Patricia Seffens, Public Information Officer, at 707-543-3634 or pseffens@srcity.org.