Crime & Safety
Homeless Man Stabbed At Coddingtown Mall; Reward Offered For Suspect Information
Breaking: "Detectives believe this stabbing was a targeted incident and not a random act of violence," a Santa Rosa police sergeant said.
SANTA ROSA, CA -- A homeless man was stabbed Thursday outside Macy's at the Coddingtown Mall in Santa Rosa, and police do not believe it was a random act of violence; rather, they believe it was a targeted incident and announced a reward for information in the case.
According to Santa Rosa police Sgt. Tommy Isachsen, officers were dispatched at 6:44 p.m. Thursday to the Macy's parking lot and as they arrived were flagged down by patrons who directed them to a man leaning against a vehicle, bleeding from a stab wound in his upper chest.
The Santa Rosa Fire Department and emergency medical responders treated the victim and he was taken to a local hospital with significant injuries to his upper chest that do not appear to be life-threatening, Isachsen said.
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The victim is a 36-year-old resident of Texas who told police he has been in the Santa Rosa for about six month and is currently homeless, Isachsen said.
Police said they are not releasing his name because of the violent nature of the incident.
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"Based on the circumstances ... detectives from the Gang Crimes Team and the Violent Crimes Team were called to assist and take over the investigation," Isachsen said.
Their preliminary investigation indicated the victim and the suspect arrived at the parking lot in separate vehicles. Police believe a confrontation then occurred and the victim was stabbed at least once.
"Detectives believe this stabbing was a targeted incident and not a random act of violence," Isachsen said.
As detectives continue their investigation into those involved and those still outstanding, the sergeant said the Sonoma County Alliance "Take Back Our Community Program" is offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect or suspects involved in the stabbing.
Anyone who witnessed the stabbing or has information regarding the incident was urged to call the Santa Rosa Police Department's Violent Crimes Team at 707-543-3590.
Bay City News Service contributed to this report.
Image via Shutterstock
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