Suspect Arrested Following Stabbing at Mall 

On November 8, 2026, at approximately 1:10 p.m., officers with the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) responded to a report of a stabbing inside the mall at 235 Santa Rosa Plaza. Officers arrived and located an adult male suffering from a stab wound to the back near the food court area. The victim was transported to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries and is expected to survive.  

The preliminary investigation determined a physical altercation involving multiple individuals occurred near a clothing store hosting a public meet-and-greet event with an internet personality with known ties to a Southern California criminal street gang. During the altercation, the victim was stabbed once in the back with a knife. Many of the people involved in the fight, as well as witnesses, left the mall prior to SRPD arrival. 

Mall security assisted officers in obtaining and viewing security camera footage from the mall and individual shops. Detectives with the SRPD Gang Crimes Team responded and assumed the investigation. Through the course of the investigation, detectives identified Marcus Temple, a 26-year-old resident of Santa Rosa, as the suspect. Officers conducted a thorough search of the mall but did not locate Temple or the knife used in this incident.  

At approximately 4:06 p.m. the same day, Temple arrived at the Santa Rosa Police Department and surrendered to officers. He was arrested without incident and subsequently booked into the Sonoma County Main Adult Detention Facility for assault with a deadly weapon, per 245(a)(1) PC.  

Detectives believe the incident was witnessed by more people than those who remained at the scene, and that the incident was recorded by bystanders on cell phones. Witnesses are encouraged to contact the Gang Crimes Team at 707-543-4021 or submit information anonymously online by visiting www.srcity.org/CrimeTips.  

The Santa Rosa Police Department remains committed to reducing gang-related violence through a comprehensive strategy centered on prevention, intervention, education, and enforcement. Incidents such as this highlight the dangers that can arise when criminal street gang influences intersect with community events and public spaces. Detectives assigned to the Gang Crimes Team work proactively with community partners, schools, service providers, and law enforcement agencies to identify emerging threats, disrupt violent activity, and connect at-risk individuals with resources intended to prevent future violence. SRPD encourages community members to report suspicious or gang-related activity and to partner with law enforcement in creating a safer Santa Rosa for everyone. 

Santa Rosa Police Department case number 26-12461. 

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