City of Santa Rosa, CA, CivicReady Public Safety Alerts & Notifications

SRPD News Release: Case Update: Suspect in gang-related attempt murder shooting arrested, firearm recovered

Suspect in gang-related attempt murder shooting arrested, firearm recovered

On August 13, 2024, at approximately 11:30 pm, officers with the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) were dispatched to an area hospital regarding a man who was brought into the emergency department to be treated for a gunshot wound to the face. It was learned the victim had been driving east on the 900 block of Sunset Avenue when an unknown suspect fired at least two rounds through his partially open driver’s side window, with one round striking the victim’s face. The victim then drove a short distance away, pulled over, and allowed his front seat passenger to get into the driver’s seat and transport him to the hospital. Due to the limited information available at the time, both the SRPD Gang Crimes Team and Violent Crimes Investigations Team responded and began a preliminary investigation. 

The preliminary investigation determined this was a gang-motivated shooting. Gang Crimes Team detectives assumed the investigation, which included analyzing evidence located at the scene and developing leads. During the weeks following the event, detectives continued to obtain evidence and were able to identify the suspect as Juan Carlos Cruz, an 18-year-old male resident of Santa Rosa.

Investigators obtained warrants for Cruz’s arrest and for two residences associated with him. On November 6, 2024, at approximately 10:30 am, detectives located Cruz and began surveilling him. Cruz was subsequently contacted at his place of work in Windsor and was taken into custody without incident by uniformed officers. Cruz was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun that was concealed inside a satchel at the time of his arrest. Further testing is needed to determine if the firearm seized during the arrest of Cruz is the same firearm used in the attempted murder. 

Following the arrest, detectives served search warrants on Santa Rosa residences on Millicent Way and in the 1500 block of Herbert Street. Ammunition located in the Herbert Street residence was seized. Further testing is needed to determine if the ammunition is related to the attempted murder. 

Cruz was booked into Sonoma County Jail for the following charges:

664/187 PC: Attempted murder

245(a)(2) PC: Assault with firearm

25800(a) PC: Carry a firearm with intent to commit felony

186.22(b): Gang enhancement

25400 PC: Carry concealed firearm

The Gang Crimes Team was reinstated in December, 2023, after a long absence fueled by staffing shortages. The team of four plainclothes detectives and one sergeant work to investigate gang-related offenses in the community and reduce gang-motivated violent crime through prevention, intervention, education, and enforcement.

Santa Rosa Police Department case number 24-9665.

Media inquiries can be made to Sgt. Travis Menke at 707-543-4021 or tmenke@srcity.org.


**Original Message**


SRPD Gang Crimes Team Investigating Attempted Homicide


On August 13, 2024, at approximately 11:30 pm, a 20-year-old male resident of Santa Rosa walked into an area hospital and reported he had been shot in the face. The incident occurred while he was driving eastbound in the 900 block of Sunset Avenue.  An unidentified person fired at least two rounds into the partially open driver's side window, striking him at least once in the face. It is unknown if the suspect was in a vehicle at the time of the shooting. The victim drove a short distance away, pulled over, and his front-seat passenger took over driving and drove him directly to a hospital.

Due to limited available information about the incident, both the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) Violent Crimes Team and Gang Investigations Team responded to assume the investigation. Preliminary information learned by detectives led them to believe the shooting is gang related and there is no outstanding risk to the community. At this time, a suspect(s) has not been identified. Names or other identifying information related to the victim, or his passenger will not be released due to the ongoing investigation. The relationship between the suspect(s) and victim, if any, is currently being investigated. There is no description of the suspect(s) or any related vehicles at this time. 

SRPD Gang Crimes Team detectives are continuing to investigate this attempted homicide and would like to speak with anyone who has information potentially related to this incident. Anyone with information about this investigation is encouraged to contact the SRPD Gang Crimes Team at 707-543-4021 or through our online Tip Line: www.srcity.org/CrimeTips. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered by the Sonoma County Alliance Community Engagement and Safety Rewards Fund. The reward is for information leading to the arrest of the suspect or suspects involved in this incident.

Santa Rosa Police Department case #24-9665.

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