Fire At Rohnert Park Councilman's Home 'Deliberate Act': Police

ROHNERT PARK, CA — Officials with the City of Rohnert Park looked to the public Tuesday for help identifying the person or people responsible for setting a fire on the 4th of July inside a recycling bin outside a Rohnert Park City Council member's home.

City officials said the attack followed multiple threats and attempts at intimidation over the Rohnert Park City Council’s March 23 vote to ban fireworks and firework sales in the city.

"After several weeks of investigation we have exhausted all of our leads and have not identified a suspect," Rohnert Park police Chief Timothy Mattos said Tuesday during a news conference.

Around 10:45 p.m. Sunday, July 4, a passerby reported a fire outside what turned out to be the home of Rohnert Park City Councilman Willy Linares, Mattos said.

Officers canvassed the neighborhood and reviewed security camera footage. In a video obtained from one of the councilman's neighbors, a white Ford Econoline-style van is seen on the roadway at 10:22 p.m., Mattos said.

About 15 seconds later, the van stops in front of Linares' home and someone disappears behind the van, the chief said.

Around 6 and a half minutes after the van takes off, flames are seen coming from the recycling bin before it comes fully engulfed in fire, the chief said. A pedestrian saw the fire and called 911.

The two images below of a white van were released via social media July 16 by Rohnert Park DPS. On Tuesday, Mattos said detectives also reached out to the FBI for help in developing clearer images of the van and possibly the suspect or suspects.

Linares was home with his family as the fire burned, city officials said.

Rohnert Park Mayor Gerard Giudice said he was "heartbroken and angry" over the incident, and that he visited Linares the day after the fire.

"As your mayor, I'm appalled and terrified," Giudice said. "Bullying and intimidation will not be tolerated."

For several years, the sales of "safe and sane" fireworks were fundraisers for nonprofit groups such as the Rotary Club and high school booster clubs. And since the use of such fireworks was also permitted in the city of Rohnert Park, for many years it was a draw for people from other communities.

When the City Council took up the matter of possibly banning the use and sales of fireworks, it led to controversy.

The police chief said detectives, however, were still trying to determine a motive for the fire at the council member's house, which he called an "absolutely dangerous and cowardly act."

City officials asked anyone with information about the van or the incident to call the Rohnert Park Department of Public Safety at 707-584-2600 or email a tip anonymously to crimetips@rpcity.org.

LETTER: Sonoma County Mayors Condemn Violent Act Committed At Home Of Rohnert Park Council Member