Man Arrested for Stabbing at Santa Rosa Restaurant

On May 7, 2025, at approximately 11:40 AM, the Santa Rosa Police Department (SRPD) responded to a report of a stabbing at a restaurant in the 2700 block of Yulupa Avenue. Upon arrival, officers found a victim with severe head and arm injuries, who was promptly transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Witnesses described the suspect as 39-year-old Li Zhiqing, a former employee of the restaurant. Officers located Zhiqing at a nearby park, where he was arrested without incident after fleeing on foot.

The SRPD’s Violent Crimes Investigation Team took over the investigation, while Field and Evidence Technicians processed the scene. Detectives discovered that the victim, a 43-year-old male, was also an employee of the restaurant. Zhiqing had returned to the restaurant and attacked the victim with a cleaver, inflicting significant injuries and threatening other employees before fleeing. The weapon used in the assault was recovered near the scene.

Due to the violent nature of the crime, the victim's identity will not be released. The victim remains in critical condition at a local hospital.

Zhiqing was booked into the Sonoma County Jail on the following charges:

• 664/187(a) PC – Attempted Murder
• 422(a) PC – Criminal Threats
• 203 PC – Mayhem

SRPD Detectives are continuing to investigate the incident and are seeking additional witnesses. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact SRPD through the online Tip Line: www.srcity.org/CrimeTips.

For media inquiries, please contact Sergeant Brandon Matthies at bmatthies@srcity.org. SRPD case number 25-5347.