Two Arrested on Suspicion of Attempted Murder in Alleged Targeted Attack in Petaluma
A Sonoma County man and a juvenile have reportedly been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder in what police allege was a targeted gang-related attack.
According to a department press release, Santa Rosa Police Officers responded to a reported shooting incident on the 600 block of Aston Avenue on Tuesday, May 30. According to witnesses, two unidentified suspects were seen fleeing the scene towards the east on Aston Avenue just before the arrival of law enforcement.
The first suspect was described as a male of unknown race, wearing a black ski mask, black puffy jacket, and blue jeans. The second suspect was described as a male of unknown race, wearing a black jacket and blue jeans.
Upon canvassing the area, officers discovered several spent shell casings on the roadway but were unable to locate either the suspects nor any victims at the scene. A short time later, Santa Rosa Police Dispatch received information that the victim had been driven to a local hospital. Officers responded to the hospital and made contact with the victim, a 17-year-old male from Santa Rosa.
The victim had reportedly sustained a non-life-threatening gunshot wound and was reported to be in stable condition. After receiving treatment, the victim was released.
Violent Crimes Investigations Detectives took charge of the case and determined that the shooting may be gang-related, with the victim being the intended target.
The detectives also identified two individuals believed to be responsible for the shooting based on video surveillance footage. One of the suspects was identified as Ramiro Maldonado, a 19-year-old resident of Petaluma. The other suspect, aged 17, was a resident of Santa Rosa who was reportedly already on probation for a prior gang-related shooting.
On the afternoon of Thursday, June 1, the Violent Crimes Detectives, supported by Santa Rosa Police SWAT members, executed search and arrest warrants for both suspects at a residence on the 6000 block of Petersen Road in Petaluma. The warrants were served with SWAT assistance due to the potentially dangerous nature of the crime.
Maldonado and the 17-year-old suspect were taken into custody without incident. Detectives conducted a thorough search of the residence, reportedly uncovering evidence linking the suspects to the shooting.
Ramiro Maldonado was subsequently booked into Sonoma County jail on suspicion of attempted murder, participation in a criminal street gang, and promoting a criminal street gang. The 17-year-old juvenile suspect was booked into Sonoma County Juvenile Hall on suspicion of attempted murder, participation in a criminal street gang, promoting a criminal street gang, and violation of juvenile probation.
Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about the incident to come forward by contacting the Santa Rosa Police Department through their online Tip Line. Individuals can also reach out to the Violent Crimes Investigations Detectives at (707) 543-3595.
