SONOMA COUNTY, CA — Police have arrested a second suspect in a Cinco de Mayo shooting.
Investigators identified Sebastian Ramirez, 18, as the main suspect in the Santa Rosa shooting that critically wounded a man and triggered concerns about gang violence erupting in a crowded public festival setting.
On Thursday at about 8:20 p.m., Santa Rosa Police sent multiple units—including the Gangs Crimes Team, Property Crimes Investigations Team, SWAT, and Hostage Negotiations Team—to Ramirez’s home in the 6000 block of Diane Court in Rohnert Park. Ramirez surrendered without incident.
Detectives recovered clothing and other potential evidence linked to the case. However, investigators said they did not find a firearm they believe was used in the shooting.
Ramirez was booked into jail on suspicion of attempted murder, negligent discharge of a firearm, participation in a criminal street gang, and committing a felony to further or promote gang activity.
One day earlier, police announced the arrest of a 19-year-old Ukiah suspected of being involved in the shooting.
Officers with the Santa Rosa Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team found the first suspect about 3:30 a.m. inside a vehicle near Ridley and Jennings avenues, according to a news statement from Santa Rosa Police Chief John Cregan.
Police said the shooting erupted around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday outside the festival near Sebastopol Road and Avalon Avenue after rival groups exchanged challenges in a library parking lot in the 400 block of Sebastopol Road.
Cregan said the confrontation escalated within seconds. Officers stationed near the festival heard multiple gunshots coming from the direction of Dutton Avenue and moments later encountered a wounded man running toward them for help, police said.
Investigators said the suspect fired several rounds, striking the victim at least once before fleeing. The wounded man suffered life-threatening injuries but remained in stable condition Wednesday.
Detectives said additional suspects may have been involved and the firearm used in the shooting had not been recovered by Wednesday afternoon.
In addition to the victim, a bullet struck a nearby taco truck and shook the crowds who had gathered in Roseland to celebrate Cinco de Mayo. The parking lot where the shooting happened is the site of a future Santa Rosa Police Department station.
Anyone with information about the incident should contact the Gang Crimes Team tipline at 707-543-3670. Police are offering a reward for information leading to the arrest of additional suspects.
Related: Shooting Follows Cinco Mayo Festival
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