SANTA ROSA – A neighborhood right next to Martin Luther King Jr. Park in Santa Rosa saw a violent gang confrontation Tuesday afternoon.
Police were called to Milton Street, which runs right into the park, where kids can enjoy a large soccer field and outdoor basketball hoops. Reports had come in of a shooting, and witnesses at the scene described a hostile meeting of two rival area gangs. According to the Santa Rosa police, a witness said that one of the gangsters involved was shot, and then carried off by his companions. No victims or suspects could be found in the area, however.
Less than two hours later, a call came from an official at the Sonoma County Hospital to report a 17-year-old boy with gunshot wounds. They said the young man had been dumped in the Emergency room and abandoned. He was rushed into surgery in critical condition.
Officers responded to the 900 block of Milton and spoke to witnesses.
Detectives on the case from the Gang Crimes Team and Violent Crimes Team were able to identify a suspect in the shooting. 25-year-old Edgard Rodriguez Alonzo is a known gang member with a violent criminal history. A million dollar warrant was issued in his name, and a search warrant issued for his residence. However, due to his history, and the fact that he had potentially just used a gun in the crime, the police chose to use the SWAT team to execute the warrants. His home is just blocks from the fight scene in south central Santa Rosa.
Alonzo was found at the home early this morning, and arrested on charges of attempted murder with gang enhancements. The case is ongoing, and many others were involved, either directly or indirectly. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Detective Farrington at 707-543-4087.
