Fight Between Intoxicated Subjects Leads to Arrest of a Felon in Possession of Firearm

At approximately 11:57 pm on Sunday, September 1, 2024, officers with the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) were dispatched to a reported fight involving several subjects in the 2400 block of Sebastopol Road. The 911 caller stated that a man was being punched and “choked” by three other men. Officers arrived and one of the suspects refused to follow commands. The subject got into a vehicle and fled the scene, west on Sebastopol Road. Officers followed the vehicle and attempted to conduct a traffic enforcement stop, however, the driver chose not to pull over and led police on a short, 1-minute pursuit.

At the intersection of Sebastopol Road and South Wright Road, the suspect vehicle collided with a fence and nearby business storage yard. The driver did not exit when instructed by officers and was instead moving around inside the vehicle. Officers used a drone to get a better view inside the vehicle and saw the subject reaching around the passenger area of the vehicle. 

Due to the dangerous nature of the subject barricaded inside the vehicle and observations from the drone, SRPD officers utilized the SRPD Armored Response Vehicle (ARV) to safely transport officers to the location of the suspect vehicle. The officers were able to safely approach the vehicle and arrest the suspect without incident. 

When officers contacted the driver, it was apparent the driver was intoxicated. The driver was transported to an area hospital where he was treated for minor injuries sustained during the collision.

Officers searched the vehicle and located a loaded Glock pistol on the floorboard of the front passenger seat. The driver is prohibited from owning or possessing any firearms due to a previous felony conviction.

The driver, Jorge Leopoldo Jr., a 29-year-old resident of Santa Rosa resident, was arrested and booked into Sonoma County Jail for the following charges:

2800.2(a) VC: Evading police with wanton disregard for safety

29800(a)(1) PC: Prohibited person in possession of a firearm

30305(a)(1) PC: Prohibited person in possession of live ammunition

1203.2 PC: Violation of probation

23152(a) VC: DUI alcohol

14601.2(a) VC: Driving on a suspended license

An investigation into the original incident determined several intoxicated subjects engaged in a fight, with no one sustaining any significant injuries. One of the men contacted by police at the scene of the fight was arrested and booked into jail for public intoxication, 647(f) PC.

During this incident, SRPD utilized tools and technology to assist our officers in achieving a safe resolution for our employees, the people involved, and the community. The ARV provided officers a mobile armored shield as they drove up to the suspect’s vehicle, while the drone was providing live video of the suspect’s movements inside of the vehicle. In 2023, SRPD was able to add a Kite Drone, Loki Interior Drone, and six new field drones to the fleet. The use of these drones during intense and rapidly evolving situations provides officers with crucial information they may not otherwise have access to, allowing for a safer and more efficient deployment of resources. 

Santa Rosa Police Department case numbers 24-10444 and 24-10446.

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