City of Santa Rosa, CA, CivicReady Public Safety Alerts & Notifications
SRPD News Release: Resident's Report Leads to Arrests at Steele Lane Elementary; Two Additional Burglaries at Comstock Middle School
Resident's Report Leads to Arrests at Steele Lane Elementary; Two Additional Burglaries at Comstock Middle School
On Thursday, October 29, 2026, at approximately 1:47 a.m., a community member flagged down a Santa Rosa Police officer near Steele Lane Elementary School, 301 Steele Lane, after seeing flashlights inside the closed campus. The officer, aware of a recent copper wire theft at the school, conducted a security check and also saw flashlights inside the building. Additional units responded and searched the campus, where officers found two men cutting copper wire from the building. A third man ran and was detained after officers established a perimeter. Officers recovered tools and loose copper wire, and the school sustained significant damage.Kenneth Grushus, 42, was arrested for burglary (459(a) PC), conspiracy (182(a)(1) PC), grand theft of copper material (487j PC), felony vandalism (594(b)(1) PC), and resisting a peace officer (148(a)(1) PC). Richard Smith, 43, was arrested for burglary, conspiracy, grand theft of copper material, and felony vandalism. Angel Gonzalez Rodriguez, 27, was arrested for burglary, conspiracy, grand theft of copper material, and felony vandalism.
On Friday, October 30, at approximately 7:56 a.m., officers responded to a burglary in progress at Comstock Middle School, 2750 W. Steele Lane, reported through the school's surveillance system. Officers arrived, saw the suspect fleeing on foot, and apprehended him. Pedro Reyes-Medina, 22, of Santa Rosa, was arrested for burglary (459 PC) and felony vandalism (594(b)(1) PC) and booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility.
That same evening at approximately 5:13 p.m., the school's surveillance system reported two juveniles attempting to pry open a door at Comstock Middle School with a crowbar. Officers located both juveniles on campus. A door showed pry marks, but there was no indication entry was made. Both were arrested for attempted burglary (664/459 PC) and conspiracy (182 PC) and booked into juvenile hall. No identifying information will be released because the suspects are minors.
In all three cases, officers were able to make arrests because someone reported what they saw as it was happening. If you see or hear something suspicious at a closed school, park, or business, such as flashlights, power tools, breaking glass, or an unfamiliar vehicle, call the Santa Rosa Police Department at 707-528-5222, or 911 if you believe a crime is in progress.
All persons are presumed innocent unless and until convicted or adjudicated in a court of law.
Media Contact:
Lt. Matt North
(707) 543-3646
