Local Suspects Arrested In Teen Mall Shooting

PETALUMA, CA. — Police arrested suspects in connection with the Jan. 4 gang-linked armed robbery and shooting at the Santa Rosa Transit Mall that wounded two teens.

The shooting happened about 6:26 p.m., after bus service had ended. Police said two masked men in dark clothing confronted a group of teens waiting at the transit mall, demanded their property, and pulled a gun, according to the Santa Rosa Police Department.

A 15-year-old boy was struck and shot once in the shoulder and back. A 14-year-old boy was grazed at the waist, likely by shrapnel, police said.

Detectives identified the suspects as Omar Serrano, 18, of Santa Rosa, and a 17-year-old from Petaluma, police said. On Wednesday, police arrested Serrano in the Fountaingrove area of Santa Rosa, and the other teen was arrested outside his Petaluma home.

Police said they seized clothing but found no firearms.

The suspects were not involved in the Jan. 9 shooting that wounded a 14-year-old at Martin Luther King Jr. Park, though arrests in both cases involve suspected gang members,Santa Rosa police said.

Police are still investigating both shootings. Anyone with information should call the Santa Rosa Police Department at 707-543-3590 or submit an anonymous tip online. A reward of up to $2,500 is being offered for information leading to additional arrests.