Young Man Fatally Shot At Petaluma Outlets Center: Police

PETALUMA, CA — As police continued Monday to investigate the death Saturday night of a young man suffering from a gunshot wound inside a crashed car at Petaluma Village Premium Outlets, they announced a reward of up to $2,500 is now offered for information leading to the arrest of the homicide suspect or suspects.

Ezequiel Garcia, 19, of Santa Rosa, was identified Monday by the Sonoma County Sheriff-Coroner's Office as the victim discovered dead inside a car at the outlets center located at 2200 Petaluma Blvd. North.

Simultaneous reports of gunshots and a solo-vehicle crash at the outlets center were received at about 8 p.m. Saturday, police said.

"At this point in time we can confirm that an unknown suspect dressed in dark clothing appears to have approached the victim as the victim was sitting in their parked vehicle," said Petaluma police Lt. Brian Miller.

Police believe the suspect shot at Garcia numerous times, striking the victim at least once.

Garcia's car collided with a concrete wall before it came to rest in a nearby strip of landscaping, Miller said.

Officers responded to find Garcia unconscious inside the car, suffering from at least one gunshot wound.

The officers requested emergency medical assistance from the Petaluma Fire Department and began rendering aid to the driver until firefighter-paramedics arrived and continued those efforts.

"Despite the attempts of the officers and the firefighters the driver ultimately passed away at the scene," Miller said. "The Petaluma Police Department extends their condolences to the Garcia family."

The $2,500 reward for information leading to an arrest or arrests in the homicide investigation is being offered by the Sonoma County Alliance "Take Back Our Community" program.

Miller said detectives continue following up on numerous leads, including that of an older model red truck witnesses saw leaving the area at the time of the shooting.

"There is no evidence connecting the driver of the red truck with the homicide investigation," Miller said.

Anyone with information regarding the case is encouraged to contact Petaluma Police Detective Walt Spiller at 707-778-4456.