Case Update: 16-year-old arrested for negligent shooting and possession of a firearm

Earlier today, detectives with the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) Gang Crimes Team arrested a juvenile for a negligent shooting that occurred earlier in the month. On March 9, 2025, SRPD officers responded to the 1000 block of Bellevue Avenue regarding an apparent shooting into an apartment building. The resident of one apartment had discovered a bullet hole in the exterior wall and the investigating officer later located bullet fragments inside of the residence. It was believed the shooting occurred sometime in the overnight hours, and it was not believed the residence was targeted, but was rather the unintended consequence of the negligent shooting.

SRPD Gang Crimes Team detectives began an intensive investigation into the shooting, developing and following several leads. The detectives were able to identify the suspect as a 16-year-old male residing in the 2000 block of Truckee Drive, Santa Rosa. On March 25, 2025, at approximately 4:30 pm, detectives with the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) Gang Crimes Gangs Crimes Team served a search warrant at the suspect’s residence and recovered the firearm believed to have been used during the shooting. The juvenile suspect was present during the service of the search warrant and was arrested at the residence.

The firearm recovered was a 40 caliber handgun equipped with a 22-round high-capacity magazine. The juvenile suspect was arrested and booked into Sonoma County Juvenile Hall for the following charges:

246.3 PC - Willful discharge of a firearm in a negligent manner

25850 PC - Carry loaded firearm in public place

Negligent shootings such as this can deeply harm the community by creating fear and lasting trauma. When a firearm is discharged recklessly, innocent people may be injured or killed, disrupting the sense of safety within the neighborhood. Reducing gun violence is a top organizational priority of the Santa Rosa Police Department and is key to creating a safer, more resilient community where families, businesses, and local organizations can thrive.

Santa Rosa Police Department case number 25-2829.

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

**Original Message**

SRPD Gang Crimes Team Investigating Multiple Shooting Incidents

On March 7, 2025, at approximately 10:49 pm, officers with the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) were dispatched to the 2100 block of W. Steele Lane to investigate a report of multiple gunshots being heard by area residents. Upon arrival, officers located several vehicles with bullet holes and several spent bullet casings on the ground. It is not believed anyone was injured during this shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made.

On March 9, 2025, at approximately 10:00 am, an SRPD officer was dispatched to the 1000 block of Bellevue Avenue regarding an apparent shooting into a building.  An area resident reported finding a bullet hole in the front exterior wall of their apartment. Upon further inspection, the investigating officer located a hole in an interior living room wall. In the bathroom on the other side of the living room wall, the officer located bullet fragments on the floor. The officer then estimated the shot's trajectory and traced the origin to the north of the residence.  An area canvass was completed, and several bullet casings were located in the area of Bellevue Avenue and Education Drive. It is believed the shooting occurred the previous night, however, the exact time has not yet been determined. It is not believed the reporting party was the target of the shooting, and their residence was an unintended consequence of the shooting. It is not believed anyone was injured during this shooting. The investigation is ongoing, and no arrests have been made.

The SRPD Gang Crimes Team is actively investigating both of these shootings. We do not believe the two incidents are related. Anyone with information about either of these shootings is encouraged to call the SRPD Gang Crimes Team Tipline at 707-543-4021 or online at 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 these shootings. 

Though the suspects in each shooting incident have yet to be identified, many people who become gang participants do so in their youth. Young people may join gangs seeking a sense of belonging, protection, or identity, especially in environments where they feel isolated or unsupported. However, this lifestyle is inherently dangerous, as it often involves illegal activities, violence, and constant risk of harm. Members may be exposed to criminal behavior and deadly retaliation from rival groups. The main priorities of the SRPD Gang Crimes Team are prevention, intervention, education, and enforcement. They work with several local organizations, such as the Violence Prevention Partnership to offer people currently involved in gangs a safe pathway out and to prevent our young community members from adopting a gang lifestyle.  

In response to recent tragedies, including teen overdose deaths, a stabbing, and the discovery of weapons on local high school campuses, the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) is launching a series of educational presentations to raise awareness and provide prevention strategies surrounding fentanyl abuse and youth gang violence. This initiative is a collaborative effort between SRPD, Santa Rosa City Schools (SRCS), and The Violence Prevention Partnership (VPP), with funding from the California AB114 grant. This grant supports community outreach aimed at combating drug abuse, curbing gang involvement, and offering positive intervention programs for at-risk students.  

Starting this week, SRPD officers will visit local high schools to engage with students, parents, and staff in a proactive effort to address these urgent issues. The presentations will cover the dangers of fentanyl, the growing problem of opioid abuse, and the rise in youth gang involvement in the community. Additionally, SRPD will participate in community meetings hosted by Chop’s Teen Club and Santa Rosa City Councilwoman Natalie Rogers, where experts will provide life-saving information to students, parents, school staff, and all community members. 

Students, parents, and all members of the community are encouraged to attend these meetings. The meetings are as follows: 

-3/11 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm – Piner High School, 1700 Fulton Road  

-3/13 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm – Montgomery High School, 1250 Hahman Drive  

-3/15 at 1:00 pm – Townhall Meeting for Safer Communities hosted by Councilwoman Natalie Rogers and Church Unstoppable at Church Unstoppable, 791 Lombardi Court.  

-3/25 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm – Elsie Allen High School, 599 Bellevue Avenue  

-3/26 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm – Santa Rosa High School, 1235 Mendocino Avenue  

-3/27 from 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm – Maria Carrillo High School, 6975 Montecito Boulevard  

-4/2 at 5:30 pm – Chop's Teen Club, 509 Adams Street 

The Santa Rosa Police Department is deeply committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of all community members, recognizing that a strong, united effort is essential in creating a safe environment for everyone. By working together with schools, parents, and local organizations, we can protect our youth from the dangers of illicit drugs and gang violence, ensuring a safer future for the next generation. It takes the collective action of the entire community to foster positive change and provide the support needed to guide our youth away from harm. 

Santa Rosa Police Department case numbers 25-2800 and 25-2829. 

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